MONDAY 18TH MAY 2020

33 States Defy Agreement on RoW Charges for Telecoms Emma Okonji in Lagos and Arinze Gideon in Enugu Four months after the Minister of Communications and Digital Economy, Dr. Isa Ibrahim Pantami, met with the Nigeria Governors’ Forum (NGF) and resolved to implement the

N145 per linear metre Right of Way (RoW) charges, as agreed between the governors and the federal government, 33 states are yet to comply with the pact, THISDAY investigation has revealed.

Ekiti State Governor, Dr. Kayode Fayemi, last week

signed an Executive Order reducing RoW charges relating to laying of broadband cable or any other telecoms infrastructure in the state from N4,500 to N145 per linear metre in line with the agreement.

Katsina State had earlier

implemented the agreement.

Lagos State had an initial agreement with telecoms operators to reduce RoW charges in the state to N500 per linear metre. The agreement was reached after a court case filed against Lagos State Government by telecoms

operators.

Apart from Katsina, Ekiti and Lagos states, the other 33 states are charging exorbitant fees, to raise their Internally Generated Revenue (IGR) at the the detriment of telecoms development, a situation that has continued to worry

telecoms operators.

Following the public outcry by telecoms operators over the indiscriminate charges on RoW, which they said impacted negatively on the spread of telecoms infrastructure across Continued on page 9

Report Predicts $17bn Decline in Nigerian Oil Revenue... Page 5 Monday 18 May, 2020 Vol 25. No 9170. Price: N250

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COVID-19: Private Sector, Labour Leaders Oppose Fresh Lockdown Buhari addresses nation today, unveils new measures SGF: We are in for a long haul 338 new cases raise tally to 5,959 with 183 dead, 1,594 discharged Task force sends Madagascar herbal mixture to NAFDAC for analysis Businesses project 2.75m job losses nationwide Lagos considers full reopening of economy Omololu Ogunmade, Onyebuchi Ezigbo in Abuja, Segun James, Martins Ifijeh and Dike Onwuamaeze in Lagos As President Muhammadu Buhari addresses the nation today after 14 days of relaxation of the lockdown of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Lagos and Ogun states he had imposed March 30 to

curb the spread of COVID-19, the organised private sector (OPS) and labour have indicated their opposition to a fresh shutdown of the economy.

Leading members of the sector and the Nigerian Labour Congress (NLC) spoke to THISDAY yesterday and said a fresh lockdown Continued on page 9

Buhari Gets Osinbajo’s Economic Sustainability Committee Report this Week Onyebuchi Ezigbo in Abuja The federal government’s committee on economic sustainability, led by Vice President Yemi Osinbajo, would present an interim report to President Muhammadu Buhari this week.

THISDAY gathered at the weekend that the committee is concluding work on a preliminary report to be submitted to the president later in the week.

A presidency source said the committee report Continued on page 9

THE WAY FORWARD...

L–R: Director-General, Nigeria Centre for Disease Control, Dr. Chikwe Ihekweazu; Secretary to the Government of the Federation, Mr. Boss Mustapha; and President Muhammadu Buhari during the meeting of the Presidential Task Force on COVID-19 with the president at the Presidential Villa in Abuja...yesterday godwin omoigui

FG Demands ASUU Suspends Strike before Next Negotiations... Page 8

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Group News Editor Ejiofor Alike Email Ejiofor.Alike@thisdaylive.com, 08066066268

Report Predicts $17bn Decline in Nigerian Oil Revenue Obinna Chima Nigeria’s oil revenue is likely to decline by between 70 per cent and 80 per cent this year, representing between $15 billion and $17 billion, the Chief Executive Officer of Financial Derivatives Company Limited and a member of President Muhammadu Buhari’s Economic Advisory Council, Mr. Bismarck Rewane, has predicted.

Rewane said this in a report he presented at the monthly Lagos Business School executive breakfast meeting for the month of May titled: “Making Hay While the Sun Has Set,� a copy of which was obtained

by THISDAY at the weekend.

The country recorded crude

oil and gas export sales revenue of $434.85 million in January 2020, the Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation (NNPC) disclosed recently.

Oil contributes 90 per cent of the country’s exports, 30 per cent of bank credits and 50 per cent of fiscal revenues.

According to the economist, the country’s other domestic revenue sources have also been negatively affected by COVID-19.

He estimated a fiscal gap of between $15 billion to $17 billion, adding that government revenues have been under intense pressure. “The federal government is struggling with the reduction and elimination of subsidies without sparking social unrest.

Govs Hail Gambari on Appointment, Pledge Cooperation Chuks Okocha in Abuja Governors of the 36 states of the federation yesterday congratulated Prof. Ibrahim Agboola Gambari on his appointment as the Chief of Staff to President Muhammadu Buhari.

A letter signed by the Nigeria Governors’ Forum (NGF) Chairman, Dr. Kayode Fayemi, who is also the Governor of Ekiti State, said: "On behalf of the 36 democratically-elected state governors of the Federal Republic of Nigeria under the platform of the Nigeria Governors’ Forum (NGF), I write to congratulate you and to express our deep joy on your appointment to the exalted office of the Chief of Staff to our President, General Muhammadu Buhari."

In the letter addressed to Gambari, NGF stated: "As you

know, this appointment comes with great responsibilities and unconventional demands requiring candor, discipline, professionalism, loyalty, focus, diligence and the highest level of service.

"Your credentials, pedigree, experience and career trajectory both locally and globally speak to your capacity. As governors, we are excited about this appointment.

"We are available at the sub-national level to work with you as you strive to make a positive difference in our country even more so now with the exacerbation of our circumstances precipitated by the volatility of oil prices and the COVID-19 pandemic."

The governors wished Gambari God's guidance and the best of luck in his important and challenging assignment.

Buhari Renews Akabueze’s Tenure as Budget Office DG Ndubuisi Francis in Abuja President Muhammadu Buhari has renewed the appointment of the Director-General of the Budget Office of the Federation (BoF), Mr. Benjamin Akabueze, for another four years.

He was first appointed as a Special Adviser on Planning to the president on February 15, 2016 and later re-deployed as the Director-General of the Budget Office on June 10, 2016.

A statement yesterday by the Special Adviser on Media and Communication to the Minister of Finance, Budget and National Planning, Mr. Yunusa Tanko Abdullahi, said Akabueze was carrying out reforms in the Budget Office “towards improving the effectiveness and efficiency of the Budget Office of the Federation.�

His tenure, the statement

added, was renewed “for another term in order to institutionalise the achievements for a sustainable improvement in the Budget Office of the Federation.�

Akabueze's first four-year tenure will elapse on June 10, 2020.

The Presidency confirmed Akabueze's reappointment via a tweet from the presidency’s Twitter handle: @NGRPresident. “President Muhammadu Buhari has approved the renewal of the tenure of Mr. Benjamin Akabueze as DirectorGeneral of the Budget Office of the Federation.

"The Budget Office is currently undergoing several reforms under the leadership of Akabueze, towards improving effectiveness and efficiency,� the tweet stated.

Tax collection, mobilisation and prudent management of tax revenues will be topmost priorities. “Total external debt has risen to $31 billion and will climb further with more lending from multi-laterals to $36 billion. Debt service burden is already in excess of 96 per cent of independent revenues and terms of trade to deteriorate sharply in 2020,� he added.

He disclosed that export prices have been down by 60 per cent, import prices are down by 15 per cent, while oil export volume was estimated to fall to 1.3 million barrels per day.

In addition, Rewane estimated that the country’s external reserves would drop to $33 billion before increasing to $36.5 billion, due to the inflow of the International Monetary Fund (IMF) loan.

Furthermore, he pointed out that the country’s buffers remain low with high vulnerabilities.

While noting that the month of April was grounded for

most Nigerians due to the lockdown in most states as part of measures to halt the spread of the COVID-19, he said it was also to strike a balance between saving lives and livelihoods. “The economy was brought to a screeching halt. All sectors affected and businesses shut down. There was panic buying and supply chain disruptions saw consumer prices skyrocketing. The forex market and money markets were paralysed for a few days. “Hotels, restaurants, cafes, factories, and markets were all affected. The Purchasing Managers’ Index in April crashed to 45.8points as output sub-index fell to 40.50 points, lowest since 2017. This reflects the effects of the lockdown and poor access to raw materials,� he explained.

According to Rewane, the world is suffering from, “lockdown fatigue,� noting that the economic fallout of the pandemic seems more

devastating than the medical casualties.

He listed the impact of the virus on the corporate world to include high corporate mortality, high unemployment, defaulting bank debtors, and a rise in toxic assets.

While reviewing the impact of the pandemic on Africa, he noted that poor countries are hardest hit – through a decline in commodity prices, trade, investment, and remittances.

Rewane said African economies could be confronted with extreme poverty, high unemployment, migration, civilian unrest, and possibly political instability. He pointed out that a Marshall Plan, modelled after post-World War 2 US aid package to European countries, could be needed at this time. “As signs of a possible second wave of COVID-19 sapped risk appetite, the second wave of COVID-19 could trigger more stringent lockdown measures and delay economic recovery.

“African countries will continue to face a number of difficult economic policy challenges and near term focus will be on the containment of the virus. “So far, African countries have recorded over 55,000 infections with 2,803 fatalities. South Africa, Egypt, and Morocco top the list. “There will be a continentwide recession in 2020 as real GDP growth will slide into negative territory (-1.6%) in 2020, before recovering in 2021 on the success of efforts to contain the virus. “Oil dependent economies like Nigeria and Angola will be badly hit by the twin shocks of COVID-19 and dwindling oil prices. The region will experience weak labour markets in 2020 as a structural and cyclical unemployment spike.

The informal sector will be the worst hit,� he added.

He noted the need for structural reforms by economies in the continent to boost GDP growth.

UPDATE ON COVID-19...

L-R: Lagos State Deputy Governor, Dr. Obafemi Hamzat; the Governor, Mr. Babajide Sanwo-Olu, and Commissioner of Police, Mr. Hakeem Odumosu, during a media brieďŹ ng on COVID-19 update at Marina in Lagos‌yesterday

FG Seizes UK-based Charter Aircraft for Operating Commercial Flights Chinedu Eze The federal government has impounded an aircraft belonging to Flex Jet, a United Kingdom-based aviation company, for illegally operating a commercial flight into Nigeria.

It added that the airline was only given a permit to carry out humanitarian operations.

Since the airspace was closed on March 23, only humanitarian and cargo operations were approved by the Ministry of Aviation.

However, Flex Jet was alleged to have arrived from Cotonou to conduct commercial service in Nigeria.

The Minister of Aviation, Senator Hadi Sirika, confirmed this on his official Twitter handle, saying the crew of the flight was also being

interrogated and there would be maximum penalty for the offence.

According to the tweet on Sirika's @hadisirika handle: “COVID-19. (Flex Jet), a UK company, was given approval for humanitarian operations but regrettably we caught them conducting commercial flights. This is callous! The craft is impounded, crew being interrogated. There shall be maximum penalty. Wrong time to try our resolve!�

THISDAY learnt that the registration number of the aircraft is G-ERFX. As at press time it was impounded and parked at Quits Aviation Limited facility at Murtala Muhammed International Airport (MMIA) in Lagos.

THISDAY investigation also

revealed that Flex Jet applied to the Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA), requesting to conduct humanitarian evacuation operations, but the regulatory authority discovered later that it was actually carrying out commercial operations.

Also the Nigerian Airspace Management Agency (NAMA) received directive from NCAA to allow the aircraft into Nigeria and NAMA gave it clearance before the ulterior motive of the flight was discovered.

The aircraft, which arrived the country on May 15, had 24 hours leeway it could stay in Nigeria, according to documents from NAMA obtained by THISDAY. According to the flight brief from Flex Jet obtained

by THISDAY, the 13-seater

aircraft wanted to operate flight from Lagos, airlifting six passengers from MMIA to Stansted Airport, London on May 16 (Saturday) and on May 17, operate another flight from Lagos to Alicante Airport, Spain, airlifting seven passengers.

The Ministry of Aviation had in a letter dated, May 13, directed NCAA, NAMA and the Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria (FAAN) to facilitate the humanitarian operations of the flight.

The letter was titled: “Re: Request for Humanitarian Evacuation Flight to London in Support of the federal government Effort to Mitigate the Spread of COVID-19� and signed by the Director, Air Transport Management on behalf of the minister.

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FG Demands ASUU Suspends Strike before Next Negotiations Promises to improve on IPPIS shortcomings Onyebuchi Ezigbo in Abuja The federal government has given the Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU) a condition to resume talks with the union over its grievances that had led it to go on indefinite strike.

It pointedly told the union to suspend the industrial action, began in March despite universities being under closure as part of plans to combat the spread of COVID-19 pandemic, before the resumption of negotiations.

Minister of Labour and Employment, Senator Chris Ngige, told THISDAY at the weekend that the federal government has demonstrated enough goodwill by paying salaries of the striking lecturers, urging them to discontinue their strike to allow for peaceful negotiations of their dispute. “It is immoral and despicable for those who should be conducting research as Nigerians for the discovery of new drugs and medical equipment that will be used during COVID-19 period to say that they are at home playing Ludo and Draft and other games,� he said.

The minister also asked those complaining about some shortcomings in the Integrated Personnel and Payroll Information Systems (IPPIS) in the tertiary institutions that the issues would soon be satisfactorily addressed.

Both the federal government and ASUU have been locked in a lingering dispute over alleged non-implementation of

some aspects of an agreement reached in 2009 between them.

The dispute was heightened when the federal government directed that IPPIS be implemented in all its tertiary institutions.

While few lecturers who complied with the federal government's directive were paid their salaries on the platform, the February and March payments to others who failed to comply were withheld.

But President Muhammadu Buhari had directed the payment of the withheld salaries in what was seen as an overture to pave the way for a return to negotiations by both parties.

Ngige said the federal government had shown enough goodwill to ASUU by accepting to pay the university teachers despite being on strike, notwithstanding its policy of "no work, no pay."

Ngige stated that the government's offer of an olive branch to ASUU members should be reciprocated by calling off the industrial action.

"Government has shown goodwill to the lecturers; the expectation now is that ASUU should announce the calling off of their strike; go back to the classroom and get back to the negotiating table and continue negotiations," he said.

According to him, he has made efforts to reach out to ASUU but due to the lockdown, such attempts at resumption of negotiations could not materialise.

The minister explained that there are two reasons

why ASUU should call off the strike.

The first reason is that government has shown goodwill and has offered olive branch by releasing the salaries of the university lecturers without any conditions.

"Secondly, it is immoral and despicable for those who should be conducting research as Nigerians for the discovery of new drugs and medical equipment that will be used during COVID-19 period to say that they are at home playing Ludo and Draft and other games.

"Even if schools are not open, ASUU members, especially researchers, are

supposed to be going into their laboratories, going to botanic gardens to get some shrubs and other plants to be used in producing drugs during this COVID-19 outbreak.

"Those who are pharmacologists, who are in the electronics department and software engineers, this is the time for research to manufacture ventilators or make some inventions. It is unpatriotic for them to even continue saying that they are on strike at this time. They should not be saying it," he said.

On the protest by the Senior Staff Association of Nigerian Universities (SSANU) and

Academic Staff Union (NASU) over alleged discrepancies in the payment of salaries through the IPPIS platform, Ngige said the matter was being addressed.

He added that the shortcomings being complained of by the unions were normal at the initial stages of deployment of such payment device.

He said: "When IPPIS was introduced in the federal civil service, these hiccups were there. It took some time before they were rectified. We were being thorough. When I was in the National Assembly, we were complaining but the good thing is that the IPPIS desk

in the Accountant General’s Office is listening and they are addressing the issues. It will be rectified and once this is done, they will pay the arrears or deductions," he stated.

The minister added that the system has been in use and there's nothing like rushing in the implementation of IPPIS. He stated: "What I am telling you is that they have started in the universities and it is a computerised system.

Sometimes it recognises garbage in garbage out. How many of those over-paid have come out to say that they were over-paid because there was also overpayment? Why are they not shouting it?"

CORPORATE SOCIAL RESPONSIBILITY...

L-R: Sales Manager, Mikano Motors, Mr. Ezeh Evaristus; representative of Head of Service and Permanent Secretary, Public Service OďŹƒce, Mr. Olusegun Ajibade, and General Manager, Mikano Motors, Mr. Ali Salaa, during the presentation of pickup van to Lagos State Government in support of eorts to curb COVID-19 in Lagos‌yesterday

Analysts Project $100bn Recoveries from Amnesty to Treasury Looters Peter Uzoho Analysts at THISDAY Dialogue have proposed to the federal government some radical approaches to get the country out of the woods in the face of the headwinds of COVID-19 pandemic and a sharp drop in oil prices that have massively reduced revenue flows to the Federation Account.

Among such proposals is that the federal government should declare a 30-month amnesty programme for treasury looters from October 1, 1960 to April, 30, 2020.

This, they added, could fetch the federal government over $100 billion in loot recoveries within short time if given a guarantee that they would not be probed during the deadline for surrendering their loot.

The stakeholders made the suggestions at the Policy Dialogue organised by THISDAY Newspapers on the backdrop of COVID-19 pandemic and its effects on the country as well as the need to use the opportunity to chart a new course for the country's economic transformation.

In a communiquĂŠ at the end of the virtual dialogue, the analysts said: "Nigerians who have money in Switzerland, Dubai, China and other countries, including those tiny islands or inside mattresses or water tanks in their respective homes in Nigeria, would be encouraged to bring the money out as fixed deposit in Nigerian banks within the next 90 days. Zero probe. Zero explanation on the source of the money - 100 per cent confidentiality.

"The money is ready for national development - just deposit and go home and sin no more. For the shock of our national life, Nigeria could raise more than $100 billion from this exercise.

The owner gets one per cent interest on fixed deposit and the Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs) can borrow the money at five per cent interest rate."

They said the approach would be a win-win for Nigeria and the "owners" of the money.

The stakeholders, however, suggested that anyone caught looting the national treasure again after April 2020 should face life imprisonment or

capital punishment.

They also recommended that the federal government should direct all banks to do a comprehensive audit of their customer base in the last 50 years and come up with a comprehensive list of and the total amount of money belonging to customers who died without stating their next-of-kin.

They explained that those unclaimed money, estimated at billions of naira and foreign currencies, whose owners have refused to supply their Bank Verification Number (BVN) for fear of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) could be used as part of the stimulus package for (MSMEs).

Similarly, they proposed that all the trillions of naira in unclaimed dividends and share investments, which have been appropriated or "hidden" by other people, should be forfeited to the federal government through collaborative efforts of the Central Securities Clearing System (CSCS), the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) and the Nigerian Stock Exchange working with an independent consultant

with deep knowledge of the market.

The process, they added, would require enactment of an Executive Order to proceed.

Another way the federal government could generate funds at this critical time, according to them, is by raising $50 billion from 10 million Africans in the Diaspora investing an average of $5,000.

They said this option was better than borrowing from China or the International Monetary Fund (IMF) with their conditionalities, adding that the African Development Bank (AfDB) could be called upon to play a midwifery role to support the sovereign guarantee.

They recommended that Nigeria should apply for $20 billion grant from the European Union, the United States and the United Kingdom as a stimulus package.

According to them, "This is a far cheaper 'vaccine' to give Nigeria today out of their combined $3.5 trillion stimulus package than having to deal with 200 million refugees later on their shores. This is all about diplomacy. It is in the

enlightened self-interest of those countries to support Nigeria in this trying time."

On support to businesses in the country, the analysts suggested that Nigerian businesses that are five years old and above should be allowed to draw up to a maximum of 20 per cent of their three-year average yearly turnovers as a loan at five per cent interest rate with one-year moratorium within seven days after the lockdown is lifted, using their businesses as collateral.

They advocated a grant of 50 per cent salary subvention, covering April, May and June, from the government for all Nigerians working in corporate organisations.

They also called for the disbursement of $20 billion directly to MSMEs as special grants to be administered by an independently-supervised Special Purpose Vehicle (SPV) for transparency purposes.

They urged the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) to mandate commercial banks to extend the moratorium on business loans that have fallen due by one more year without penalties to the borrower and to the lender.

On cost-cutting measures, they called for the reduction of salaries, allowances and perks of all politicians/ political office holders and advisers by 50 per cent with effect from April, starting from the president and the vice president.

While urging the Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation (NNPC) to reduce its cost structure by 30 per cent and save about $5 billion yearly for government to spend, the stakeholders, however, advised the federal government, CBN and Lagos State Government to "prioritise Dangote Refinery as a “critical national security asset� backed up by Executive Order, just the same way President Donald Trump and Xi Jinping prioritise rare earth minerals in America and China."

"The refinery should be accorded 101 per cent support to ensure it is commissioned by year-end," they said.

Also at the dialogue, analysts made a case for President Muhammadu Buhari to cut the cost of governance by reducing the number of ministries, departments, gencies and parastatals (MDAs).

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PAGE NINE COVID-19: PRIVATE SECTOR, LABOUR LEADERS OPPOSE FRESH LOCKDOWN of the economy would be retrogressive and would have tremendous negative economic and social consequences on the country.

This position was canvassed by the Nigeria Employers’ Consultative Assembly (NECA), the Lagos Chamber of Commerce and Industry (LCCI) and the Nigerian Association of Chambers of Commerce, Industry, Mines and Agriculture (NACCIMA) and a Professor of Financial Economics and the Director of the Centre for Economic Policy Analysis and Research, University of Lagos, Prof.

Ndubisi Nwokoma, in separate interviews with THISDAY. Following the relaxation of the lockdown two weeks ago, the Presidential Task Force on COVID-19 had complained about the failure of citizens to adhere to measures laid down to curb the spread of the disease, warning that if the disobedience persisted, the federal government might be forced to reinstitute the shutdown of the country.

The rise in the number of confirmed cases and deaths since the easing of the restrictions had also made public health analysts advocate a return to total restriction to slow down the rampaging virus.

Yesterday, Nigeria recorded 338 new cases, bringing to 5,959 the total number of confirmed cases in the country.

Announcing this last night, the Nigeria Centre for Disease Control (NCDC) said Lagos recorded 177 new cases, Kano 64, Federal Capital Territory (FCT) 21, Rivers 16, Plateau 14, Oyo 11, Katsina nine, Jigawa and Kaduna four each, Abia, Bauchi and Borno three each, Gombe, Akwa Ibom and Delta two each, while Ondo, Kebbi and Sokoto recorded one each.

It said: "Nigeria had recorded 5,959 cases of COVID-19. 1,594 persons have been discharged, while 182 persons have died."

The president is, however, unveiling new guidelines for the containment of the pandemic today, the Chairman of the PTF, Mr. Boss Mustapha, said yesterday while answering questions from journalists after leading his team to a meeting with the Buhari in the State House.

Mustapha, who described the meeting as a routine exercise during which appraisal of the last guideline unfolded by the Buhari was carried out, recalled that today, being the 14th day since April 27, when the last guideline was issued, the president is expected to unveil a new procedure for the fight against the disease.

According to him, the meeting was meant to present the president with raw materials aimed at assisting him in making the right decision for the way forward.

"This is part of a routine exercise. I think this is about the third time that we have had cause to submit an interim report to him on our activities as a task force and also to update him on preparation for the other phases of the engagement.

And we have supplied him with all the materials that are required to look at the issues.

"We are in for the long haul, this is not a short distance race. It is a marathon and we have to keep everything in perspective. But remember, on the 27th of April, he addressed the nation and put in place the easing of the lockdown effective from the 4th of May. From the 4th of May to date is about 13 days.

"Tomorrow, we should expect new processes to be put in place. But we have to give him all the material details that will help us in preparing for the future. So, that is why we are here," Mustapha said.

He also advised Nigerians expecting an immediate end or sudden disappearance

of the disease to perish the thought, pointing out that it would be foolhardy to expect the fight against the disease to end in the next two months, bearing in mind that hope of available vaccines for its cure is not yet in sight.

According to him, it would not take earlier than 18 to 24 months before such vaccines would be produced, submitting that until such vaccines are available to cure the disease, COVID-19 would remain the albatross of mankind.

Furthermore, SGF added that even if the current cycle of the pandemic subsides, there might yet be its resurgence which he said had been the characteristics of infectious diseases.

Against this background, he said the task force had resolved to adopt a new approach in the fight against the disease, disclosing that the fight would henceforth be taken to community levels where there are primary health centres.

He said such primary health centres would serve as the platforms for tracing, tracking, isolating and reporting suspected symptoms of the disease.

Mustapha said: "COVID-19 is not going to go away in the next one or two months.

Whoever tells you that is not being realistic. No vaccine is on the horizon. We are talking about 18 months to two years before vaccines would be confirmed for human use as far as COVID-19 is concerned, and unless we get there, what it means is that it will remain.

"It might have cycles.

After the first cycle of the pandemic, there might be a relief. There can be a resurgence and that is evidenced all over the world.

It has happened before as it is the nature of infections.

So, I believe that what we are going to do now as a task force is to come down to the levels of having the communities take ownership of the response.

"We have developed a national response which has been cascaded to the states but the communities must plug into the national response. Where we have primary health care centres all over the country, they can be used as stations of reporting of surveillance within a particular community, of tracing, of tracking so that we can take out those that we suspect to have exhibited symptoms or have come in contact with people who have exhibited symptoms for testing and isolation.

"That way, you plug them out of the community and reduce the risk of transmission. That is basically what we are working on."

Mustapha, who is also the Secretary to the Government of the Federation (SGF), insisted that the battle at hand is not "a 100-metre race" but assured that the new guidelines to be unveiled

by Buhari today are holistic and would provide a better platform to handle the pandemic.

"I can assure you that with proposals we have brought today for Mr. President’s consideration, I think holistically it will put us in a better frame to deal with the future," he said.

He also spoke on the Malagasy formulation against COVID-19, which the President of Guinea Bissau, Mr. Umaro Embalo, presented to Buhari on Saturday, saying the medicines would be handed over to the agency concerned today for the commencement of trial process.

He, however, reiterated the comment of the president while receiving the drugs that they would not be administered until they have been scientifically proven.

"I understand it’s been brought by...I will take delivery probably tomorrow (today), Monday.

The president has already said it will be scientifically dealt with; it is only after that

that he can allow it to be tested. But that has been our position that whatever comes in, whatever cure, whatever solution that is being provided must be subjected to a process of validation.

"The Minister of Health has institutions under his ministry that are charged statutorily with the processes of validation. Anything that we will receive, anything that is locally developed must go through the processes of validation before we will allow it," he explained.

SGF also disclosed that an opinion poll conducted in the country on the level of awareness of the existence of the disease showed that 99 per cent of respondents confirmed that they were aware of it.

However, he said 26 per cent others claimed that they had immunity against it, a situation he described as unhealthy because such persons might not adhere to safety procedures which he said could lead to further spread of the disease.

Mustapha further gave a hint indicating that pastors agitating for the reopening of churches might have to wait for so long, noting that the task force is strongly opposed to the idea of people congregating in any area.

According to him, the aftermath of such action would be counter-productive, because it would serve as a breeding ground for transmission of the disease particularly among the aged and sick persons with weak immune systems.

"That is why as a task force, we have stood very strong against congregations.

Congregations are the easiest places where you can get infected in terms of transmission and that is why we try as much as possible to discourage congregations in all that we do. Because, the aged, the sick and the vulnerable will turn up in congregations and once

charges had not been revisited since the telecom companies did not complain about the high cost or otherwise of the charges. “MTN and Airtel have complied with the charges. Initially, we did a comparative costing of other states and came to a value that was acceptable between us and services providers in the state. Since they have complied, it means they are comfortable with the charges and even I am yet to have any complaint, it is yet to come. That is where we are in the state,� he said.

Worried by the high charges, the Chairman of the Association of Licensed

Telecoms Operators of Nigeria (ALTON) Mr. Gbenga Adebayo, called on other governors to respect the agreement reached between them and the federal government. “I expect that other governors will follow the example of Ekiti State Governor, Dr. Kayode Fayemi, who is also the Chairman of Nigeria Governors’ Forum, who recently crashed RoW charges from N4,500 per linear metre to N145 in the state. Governors should see the benefits of wide spread of telecoms infrastructure in their states, above the gains of Internally Generated Revenue,� Adebayo said.

33 STATES DEFY AGREEMENT ON ROW CHARGES FOR TELECOMS states, the federal government, in 2013, had an agreement with telecoms operators to implement a flat rate of N145 per linear metre on RoW charges.

But since 2013, no state implemented it, which prompted Pantami to meet with the governors in January this year, where he reminded them of the benefits of telecoms infrastructure across states.

THISDAY gathered that operators have halted the expansion of telecoms infrastructure in most of the states because of the high rates of RoW charges, coupled with the refusal of state government agencies in

granting approval on RoW to telecoms operators.

Some of the state charges include: Plateau State, N1,750; Nasarawa State, N558; Niger State, N1,500; Bauchi State, N1,000; Delta State, N2,705; Imo State, N1,999; Abia State, N3,000; Kwara State, N5,500; Kano State, N2,753; Borno State, N1,650 and Sokoto State, N1,600. Others are: Kebbi State, N444; Gombe State, N1,500. Zamfara State, N1,695; Adamawa State, N1,500; Jigawa State, N1,500; Katsina State, N145; Rivers State, N3,045; Cross River State, N4,561; AkwaIbom State, N1,947; Taraba State, N1,600; Osun State, N5,609; Ekiti State, N145

and Anambra State, N3,620.

The spokesperson of the Minister of Communications and Digital Economy, Mrs. Uwa Suleiman, declined to comment on the states' delay in implementing the agreement and what steps the federal government would take to ensure compliance.

However, Enugu State Commissioner for Works and Infrastructure, Mr. Greg Nnaji, told THISDAY at the weekend that the State Executive Council had approved N3,000 per linear metre for all intending service providers who are ready to apply for issuance of RoW in the state four months ago.

He said since then, the

BUHARI GETS OSINBAJO'S ECONOMIC SUSTAINABILITY COMMITTEE REPORT THIS WEEK contained recommendations on interventions needed to revamp various sectors of the economy.

The source added that the committee had received the input of the Presidential Economic Advisory Council and would be incorporating it in its interim report.

He said: "The various subcommittees such as job creation, headed by the Minister of Labour and Employment; budgetary involvement in COVID-19 and post COVID-19, headed

by the Minister of Finance, Budget and National Planning; private sector business growth, headed by the Minister of Industry, Trade and Investment; and easing of lockdown, headed by the Minister of Works and Housing, are expected to get their reports ready."

THISDAY also learnt that the Governor of the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN), Mr. Godwin Emefiele, would submit a proposal on the stimulus plan being packed by the apex bank as part of its

corporate social responsibility, which is about N1.5 trillion.

According to the source, all the reports of the subcommittees would be put together as a total package to the president.

He explained that the subcommittee on budget financing is working out modalities for the utilisation of the N500 billion federal governmental stimulus package.

The committee, he said, would proffer ideas on how the stimulus package would

be shared among the various sectors of the economy.

The source added that the report of the subcommittee on the reopening of the economy (COVID-19 committee) is also ready and part of its recommendations is given to the Presidential Task Force on control of COVID-19 for use as a guide in implementing the relaxation of the lockdown nationwide.

The committee on stimulation and diversification of the economy (private sector business growth) would be

submitting its report on how to administer the N500 billion economic stimulus package approved by the president to boost business activities.

Also, CBN would be submitting its proposals for the implementation of N1.5 trillion stimulus package to help reawaken the country's economy.

He added that the apex bank had developed a package of financial incentives for small-scale businesses, manufacturers, and researchers in the health sector.

they get infected it becomes another ball game altogether."

He said the president was satisfied with the performance of the task force, saying he pointed out that despite Nigeria's weak health infrastructure, the level of fatality from the pandemic is far insignificant when compared with what is happening in the developed world "where countries ...have traditionally established health institutions with all the palliatives, with all the privileges, with all the schemes that guide its people."

OPS Opposes Fresh Lockdown Meanwhile, the organised private sector has expressed opposition to a fresh shutdown of the economy.

While NECA disclosed that any fresh lockdown would lead to a loss of 2.7 million jobs, LCCI said the previous lockdown would lead to a 45 per cent increase in unemployment rate.

In their separate interviews with THISDAY at the weekend, OPS argued that the government should focus its energy on gradual easing of the lockdown and enlightening Nigerians on the necessity to comply with the official guidelines issued by relevant government’s institutions on how to prevent community transmission.

NECA Director-General, Dr. Timothy Olawale, said: “The implications of another lockdown will be shocking to the economy, businesses and individuals. It will threaten between 1.28 million and 2.75 million of jobs nationally.

Prior to the advent of COVID-19, the economy had been struggling with a huge budget deficit that was occasioned by low revenue and external shock. “Therefore, easing the lockdown is about the only way of striking the necessary balance between the economic and the health crisis as a nation. “The OPS would rather request that governments at all levels should be Continued on page 10

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MONDAY, ͚΀˜ ͺ͸ͺ͸ Ëž T H I S D AY

NEWS

Buhari Orders Military to Flush out Bandits from Katsina Omololu Ogunmade in Abuja The Chief of Defence Staff, General Gabriel Olonisakin, is currently working out the modus operandi of a major military operation to flush out bandits in Katsina State.

The move is in accordance with an order by President Muhammadu Buhari at the weekend for a major military crackdown on bandits and kidnappers who have been terrorising the state.

Presidential spokesman,

Malam Garba Shehu, in a statement yesterday, said a major proactive operation

by Special Forces, whose details are being concealed, is now in force to replace the hitherto reactive strikes against insurgent camps in

the state.

According to the statement, a planning team has been dispatched to the state, with the mandate to select targets and make preparations for the launch of “unprecedented operation."

Olonisakin, the statement added, who had been charged with the responsibility of issuing official statements on the forthcoming operation had briefed the president on the agenda for the operation that will be launched shortly.

The statement explained that Buhari expressed sadness over the recent attacks in the state.

The president also condoled with the families of those killed in the attacks and prayed to God to heal the injured.

Gunmen Abducts Ex-commissioner, Director in Edo Adibe Emenyonu in Benin City

A former Commissioner for Sports and Local Government Council Chairman in Edo State, Hon. Egbe Ediagbonya, has been reportedly kidnapped by gunmen.

Also said to have been

kidnapped is the Director of Primary Healthcare (PHC) in the state, Dr. Monday Iraoya.

Ediagbonya was said to have been abducted on his Okada farm settlement near Utese, Ovia North East in the early hours of Saturday.

A family source said he was kidnapped between 2am and

4 am when the gunmen broke into his farm house and took him away at gunpoint.

The suspected kidnappers, it was gathered, have opened communication with his family and were asking for N15 million ransom.

Ediagbonya was chairman of Ovia North East Local Council

and later Commissioner for Sports in the administration of Adams Oshiomhole.

Director of Primary Healthcare in Owan East Local Government Area, Iraoya, was also said to have been kidnapped while travelling from Afuze to Benin to collect COVID-19 training materials.

He was reportedly kidnapped between Uhunmora and Ozalla on Friday and the kidnappers are reportedly asking for N100 million ransom.

A family source said: "He was kidnapped on Friday, May 15, while travelling to Benin to collect training materials for COVID-19. They have contacted

the family and are requesting for N100 million but we were only able to raise N900,000."

Reacting to the incidences, Edo State Police Public Relations Officer, DSP Chidi Nwabuzor, said he was expecting a comprehensive briefing from the police formations in the two areas.

that all the 10 staff of the Government House, who tested positive for COVID-19, had fully recovered and returned to their beats.

FCT are Fake

COVID-19: PRIVATE SECTOR, LABOUR LEADERS OPPOSE FRESH LOCKDOWN responsible for restoration of the economy while working towards flattening the curve. “We would rather suggest that, it is imperative that the federal, state and local governments should set up robust safety guidelines and measures in place and strictly enforce them to enhance sustainable living whilst reducing and containing the spread. “The implication for the Nigerian economy can only be imagined. The most important thing is that all protocols should be enforced by government. The failure of the public to observe the guidelines is not enough reason. The government should bring its full weight to bear on the enforcement,� he said.

To LCCI Director-General, Dr. Muda Yusuf, the initial lockdown had profound negative effects on jobs, income, revenues and business sustainability.

Yusuf argued that the government should rethink any intention to re-introduce the lockdown and continue with the gradual easing of the economy to save the livelihoods of hundreds of thousands of Nigerians who are mostly in the Small and Medium Enterprises space because life and livelihood are both important.

He warned that the government had very limited capacity to manage the social consequences of another round of total lockdown. “We have seen some easing of the lockdown in some sectors - manufacturing, office administration, ICT, financial services and trading.

But some critical sectors are still in complete lockdown.

These are entertainment, hospitality, aviation, interstate transportation and restaurants.

These sectors are critical to employment. They are labour intensive and, therefore, have high employment elasticity and have large multiplier effects resulting from their extensive value chain. “So, rather than re-enact the lockdown, we should be thinking of easing it and developing robust sectorspecific COVID-19 protocols to manage the risk of further spread,� he said.

Similarly, NACCIMA Director-General, Mr. Ayo Olukanni, expressed the view that a lockdown should not be the way to go. “Rather, we must work to achieve a balance between curtailing the rate of infection and keeping the economy running. Another national

lockdown is not a guarantee that we will no longer have spread of infection because we have seen that these lockdowns have been obeyed more in its breach. “We may not have the exact figures now, but economic losses from the first lockdown have been estimated to be in trillions of Naira,� he said.

Ndubusi cautioned that the possibility of another lockdown should be handled carefully, pointing out that the economy is currently in tatters. “The high incidence of poverty in the country would make it very difficult for the government to enforce another lockdown and the country may find itself in crisis. Many firms are in serious negative financial conditions and may prefer a gradual reopening of the economy rather than having another lockdown,� he said, insisting that “another lockdown will not be valueadding.�

The organised labour has also said it would not support any move to restore full lockdown of the country again.

NLC General Secretary, Mr. Emma Ugboaja, who spoke to THISDAY yesterday, said any measure, which would stifle the economy, is not what is needed at the moment.

"We are against total lockdown; we are for opening the economy sector by sector.

You should give a sectorspecific guideline. We are for opening up not shutting down.

The government should be able to give guidelines for each sector to operate," he noted.

He argued that some people could not work from home.

"We need people at the construction site, we need people in the farm to operate the agricultural sector and we need the transport sector to be on the move effortlessly," he said.

Findings from a survey carried out by LCCI to determine the impact of the lockdown on businesses in Lagos State showed that the unemployment rate would rise to 45 per cent as businesses execute cost cutting measures to survive the impact of the lockdown.

The survey, which was titled “Lockdown and Its Impact on Businesses: LCCI Survey Report,� noted that cost-cutting strategies particularly downsizing has implications for the economy from unemployment and productivity perspectives. “First, it will exacerbate the already-high level of unemployment as more and more workers risk impending

job losses. This may see the unemployment rate surge to 40 per cent and 45 per cent by the end of 2020 from 23.1 per cent as at Q3-2018.

Additionally, the potential risk of huge job losses will aggravate the magnitude of stagflation in the economy.

This has a ripple effect on the Gross Domestic Product (GDP) given that private consumption by households accounts for about 60 per cent of national output.�

The survey, which was released yesterday by Yusuf, said 63 per cent of business operators was weighing plans to downsize operations to minimise losses, adding that this development is not surprising as businesses have not generated income for over a five-week period and have lost trillions of naira in profit due to lockdown. “This suggests that the unemployment rate is expected to increase drastically postlockdown except government takes urgent steps to support business owners towards surviving and ensuring business continuity. “Most of the respondents (46 per cent) intend to slash salary and reduce the workforce as a joint measure, while 24 per cent has the plan to cut personnel cost only, 13 per cent intends to trim staff strength only, while 17 per cent are proposing no salary payment,� the report said.

The survey stated that 81 per cent of the respondents were ‘severely’ affected by the lockdown, while 17 per cent experienced a moderate impact on their business, adding that 50 per cent of businesses in the service sector experienced a severe impact by the lockdown.

It stated that 64 per cent of the respondents suffered a loss of N500,000 and below daily during the lockdown while 16 per cent indicated a daily loss of between N1 million – and N2 million. Only about 20 per cent of the businesses suffered more than N2 million daily losses and above during the lockdown. “A conservative assumption that sampled business operators lost an average N500, 000 each day during the lockdown suggests that each operator lost N17.5 million within the five-week lockdown from March 31 to May 3, 2020. This modest estimation indicates that about N2.7 billion was lost in revenue by sampled businesses to the lockdown. This translates to trillions of naira losses for thousands of businesses operating in Lagos.�

Lagos Considers Reopening of Economy Meanwhile, one week after the partial easing of the lockdown on the state, Lagos State Government is considering reopening of the state to full business activities.

The state Governor, Mr. Babajide Sanwo-Olu, yesterday said the government was considering full reopening of the critical sectors of its economy, adding, however, that the move would not be pushed in a hurry.

According to him, in the coming days, the government would be rolling out Registerto-Open initiative as part of the plans that would enable it to assess the level of readiness of the players in the identified sectors for supervised operations.

The governor spoke at a briefing after the State’s Security Council meeting held at the State House in Marina.

Sanwo-Olu said officials from Lagos State Safety Commission (LSSC) and Lagos State Environmental Protection Agency (LASEPA) will be visiting restaurants, companies, religious houses to assess their level of readiness.

With the size of the state’s economy and number of businesses that operate in its domain, the governor said the state government could not afford to keep people and businesses on lockdown permanently.

He said: “We are at a level where we are reviewing the other arms of the economy.

In the coming days, we will be starting what we call Register-to-Open, which means all players in the restaurant business, event centres, entertainment, malls and cinemas will go through a form of re-registration and space management. “There is a regulation that will be introduced to supervise this move. We will be coming to their facilities to assess their level of readiness for a future opening. I don’t know when that opening will happen in the weeks ahead, but we want these businesses to begin to tune themselves to the reality of COVID-19 with respect to how their work spaces need to look like."

Sanwo-Olu also said government agencies would be visiting places of worship to evaluate their level of preparedness ahead of full reopening.

The governor disclosed

Madagascar Records First COVID-19 Death In another development, a 57-year-old man, who developed complications after testing positive for COVID-19 has reportedly died in Toamasina, a city in Madagascar.

The spokesperson for the COVID-19 Operational Command Centre, Hanta Vololontiana, confirmed the development yesterday, stating that the man died on Saturday.

The Cable reported that two other people who are also down with severe complications are “still in intensive care.�

Twenty-one new cases were confirmed in the East African country yesterday, bringing the total to 304 COVID-19 cases, since confirming its first case on March 19, the Malagasy press agency reported.

Speaking on the effectiveness of the country’s tonic in a recent interview with France 24, President Andry Rajoelina, said: “COVID-Organics is a preventive and curative remedy against COVID-19.

It works really well and it is as a result of the research carried out by the Malagasy Institute of Applied Research, which has the status of an original research centre.�

Three Dubai Evacuees Test Positive Meanwhile, at least three of the 256 Nigerians evacuated from Dubai on May 6 have tested positive for COVID-19 in Lagos.

Upon arrival in Nigeria, the federal government had placed them under isolation for 14 days in a hotel in Lagos where tests have now been conducted as part of the standard protocol for returnees into the country.

Announcing the status of the three evacuees yesterday, Lagos State Commissioner for Health, Professor Akin Abayomi, said those who tested positive had been admitted to the COVID-19 care centre for appropriate treatment protocols.

He said: “We will continue to adhere strictly to quarantine protocols and enforce necessary precautionary measures in order to contain the spread of the pandemic,� he added.

Survey Reveals 63% of Hand Sanitisers in

In a related development, at least 63 per cent of alcohol-based hand sanitisers sold in the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) are fake and could not protect residents against COVID-19, a federal government survey has shown.

The survey also showed that 50 per cent of the hand sanitisers circulating in the capital territory do not have the National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC) registration numbers.

According to the document, tagged: ‘Quality Assessment of Some Alcohol-Based Hand Sanitisers Circulating in FCT’ and dated May 13, 2020, which was obtained yesterday by THISDAY from a source at the Federal Ministry of Health, the National Institute for Pharmaceutical Research and Development (NIPRD) had last week underwent a quality assessment of 30 different brands of alcoholbased hand sanitisers within Abuja to ascertain their efficacy in killing the virus that causes COVID-19.

The result, however, showed that although many residents of the capital territory use hand sanitisers, 63 per cent of such products could not stop them from contracting the highly contagious disease.

The document reads in part: “Of the 30 different brands of alcohol based hand sanitisers assessed, 19 (63.33 per cent) contain less than 60 per cent alcohol; 23 out of the 30 samples, representing 76.67 per cent, failed to meet pH criterion for topical products. “15 of the 30 brands of alcohol-based hand sanitisers in Abuja, representing 50 per cent, do not have NAFDAC registration numbers. Eight of the samples (26.67 per cent) were without manufacturing and expiration dates. The alcohol content of some of the samples was not stated in their labels. “67 per cent of the samples were locally manufactured; three per cent from England and Canada each, while 27 per cent had no manufacturers’ address,� the survey revealed.

According to the document, NIPRD recommended to the federal government to conduct a more robust study across the country, as this would help in halting preventable spread of the virus among Nigerians. “NAFDAC should step up efforts to clamp down on manufacturers of unregistered hand sanitisers,� the report added.

MONDAY MAY 18, 2020 • T H I S D AY

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T H I S D AY ˾ MONDAY MAY 18, 2020

POLITICS

Group Politics Editor NSEOBONG OKON-EKONG Email: nseobong.okonekong@thisdaylive.com 08114495324 SMS ONLY

M O N D AY D I S C O U R S E

More Pain for Nigeria’s Children Living Under Difficult Circumstances Udora Orizu writes that the determination of the 19 state governors of Northern Nigeria to abolish the Almajiri system may have increased the hardship of less privileged children in that region

S

ince the outbreak of COVID-19 pandemic in Nigeria, the federal and state governments have taken various measures to curb its spread including closing national and local boundaries, restricting movement. Not only has this pandemic proven the country’s ‘failed system’. It has also shown various flawed decisions by government in the believe that it was helping to curb the spread of the virus.

One of those measures is the move by Nigerian governors from the 19 Northern states to end the Almajiri system. In order to execute the decision, there has been a rash of transfer of Almajiris back to their states of origin. The controversial ban of the Almajiri from states in the north is one of those terrible decisions, a clear proof of policy without social content.

The Almajiri crises have been age long issue.

However, recently the move by the Northern governors to ban the Almajiri system as part of efforts to curb the spread of COVID-19 in Nigeria triggered the latest crisis. The decision had Islamic clerics, the National Assembly, lawyers and other stakeholders calling for its halt, with some describing it as inhumane and a violation of human rights.

With the ban also, some have questioned, how the host states were able to know that the parents of those children are from the states to which they are being forcefully moved. Where are the records? Who keeps an accurate data of the Almajiri. What part of the constitution gives the governors the right to embark on such an action?

Almajiri may be described as children who live under difficult circumstances. They grow up on the streets without the love, care and guidance of parents; their struggle for survival exposes them to abuse. Most of them are used as slaves, brainwashed and recruited for antisocial activities and used for destructive and violent activities.

In the northern part of the country, they usually move in groups, begging for or scrambling over a small plate of food. At times, they move from house-to-house, singing begging songs, and calling on people in the house for help.

Historically, Almajiri, formally called Tsangaya, is a migratory system of Islamic education that emerged in the pre-colonial era from the Kanem-Borno town of Northern Nigeria. Almajiri was inspired by Prophet Muhammad’s migration from Mecca to Medina and is derived from the Arabic word Al-Muhajirun, which means a person who leaves his home in search of Islamic knowledge.

Young boys would leave their homes to be taught by an Alarama (Teacher) for up to six years, starting with understanding basic Arabic alphabets to memorising the Qur’an.

The schools were established as an organised system of learning Quranic education and Islamic jurisprudence, a replica of Islamic learning centres in Muslim countries like the Madrasah in Pakistan, Egypt, etc.

These schools were primarily funded by scholarships from the Emirates system, though members of the community and parents also contributed through Sadaqah (Giving of alms).

However, the British side-lined the Almajiri system after their 1904 invasion as they did not recognise it as a standard educational system, ceased official funding and established a new system of Western education called Boko. Though funding went down, interest in Almajiri remained the same. As contributions from parents and community members were not enough to sustain the practice, the students started begging.

The Almajiri system of education are Islamic schools with a longstanding tradition in northern Nigeria, dating back to the 11th

Almajiri

century. The Islamic revolution of the 18th century solidified the Almajiri system under the Sokoto Caliphate. This system of education focuses on Qu’ranic and Islamic education, where students also learn a trade for livelihood.

Under the Sokoto Caliphate, schools were regulated and teachers reported directly to the Emir of their province. Students in the school were raised by teachers, parents, leaders and the community at large. To supplement the Almajiri system, students would farm and bring food for the school. Like Western education, it was a course in the society and culture of the region where students were taught the Islamic and northern Nigerian way of life.

Under British colonization, however, British rulers deliberately dismantled the Almajiri system, killing most of the Emirs of the region and abolishing state funding of the system.

The dismantling of this system directly created the structural problems facing Islamic schools in Nigeria today.

A 2014 UNICEF report estimated that there are 9.5 million Almajiri children in Nigeria, making up 72 per cent of the nation’s out-ofschool children. Estimates reveal that Nigeria presently has between 13.2 million and 15 million out-of-school children, most of them in northern Nigeria.

The Northern governor’s Forum reached an agreement last month to ban the Almajiri system as part of efforts to curb the spread of COVID-19 in Nigeria.

The governors agreed to evacuate the children back to their parents or states of origin

to minimise their exposure to the disease that has infected over four million people across the world.

One of the Northern Governors, Abdullahi Ganduje of Kano State recently described the Almajiris as the breeding ground for Coronavirus because of their vulnerability as a result of lack of hygiene, lack of shelter and lack of proper sanitation.

He said, “Because they stay in a congested environment, they have no defined place for them to sleep, no prescribed food for them to eat, no provision for sanitation and therefore they are vulnerable. Based on these we decided to pay special attention to them by establishing the special response team to examine and protect them under the climate of COVID-19. Those found to be negative will be taken back to their parents while those found to be positive will be retained, isolated and treated. When they recover, they will then be taken back to their states with certification from the NCDC.” “We decided to examine all the Almajiris in Kano state. Our intention is to protect them and those who are negative, we take them back to their parents, back to their states to ensure that they are free from Coronavirus.

Those who are positive, we are not taking them back to their states of origin. We are putting them in isolation centres until they are cured and are confirmed negative. For those Almajiris from Kano, we have an adequate arrangement for their education and for those

A 2014 UNICEF report estimated that there are 9.5 million Almajiri children in Nigeria, making up 72 per cent of the nation’s out-of-school children.

Estimates reveal that Nigeria presently has between 13.2 million and 15 million out-of-school children, most of them in northern Nigeria. The Northern governor’s Forum reached an agreement last month to ban the Almajiri system as part of efforts to curb the spread of COVID-19 in Nigeria

who cannot find where to go, we are their parents and we are ready to cater for them.

Our intention is to ensure that the Almajiri system is fully integrated with the conventional system of education. Our children have the right to education and Almajiris have right to education.”

Also the Governor of Kaduna State, Mallam Nasir El-Rufai, recently said the Northern States Governors Forum was determined to end the Almajiri system of education in the north, amidst the spread of COVID-19 among the children.

El-Rufai said the COVID-19 pandemic provided the opportunity to determine the state of Almajiri education.

He said the decision has been a subject of deep deliberations in the Northern States Governors Forum under the chairmanship of the Plateau governor, Simon Lalong, for the past 12 months.

“We’ve been looking for the ways and means to end this system because it has not worked for the children, it has not worked for Northern Nigeria and it has not worked for Nigeria. So, it has to end and this is the time.”

He said his state has been expanding the capacities of schools in Kaduna with the hope of accommodating the subsequent integration of these children as the best alternative for them.

“You know, it is better to count 200 children in a primary school classroom and give them some kind of modern education than to allow them to waste their lives away, roaming about the streets begging for what to eat under this system. Anything is better than this system and we’re determined as Northern governors to end it,” he said.

The Governor also said if other Northern governors are treating the issues with levity, that is their own business, but that in Kaduna State, the Almajiri sytem is dead.

He revealed that he has reviewed a law that will formally prohibit such a system in his state, noting that all parents of the children have been tracked and would be properly trained on parental responsibilities, in order to efficiently and effectively enforce the proposed model for the children.

NOTE: Interested readers should continue in the online edition on www.thisdaylive.com

MONDAY MAY 18, 2020 • T H I S D AY

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T H I S D AY Ëž Ëœ ÍŻÍśËœ 2020

COMMENT

Editor, Editorial Page PETER ISHAKA Email peter.ishaka@thisdaylive.com

THE POLITICS OF SCHOOL FEEDING

Abdulrahman Yakubu argues that the continuation of the school feeding programme through take-home rations is in order

I

t is regrettable that politics in Nigeria is fast becoming an anathema to development, with particularly perilous impact on government-driven development policies and programmes, which happen to be the major vehicle for delivering the benefits to the vast majority of people. This is a peculiar absurdity that negates the essence of democracy as practiced in the civilized world where elected governments are regarded by all and sundry as “of the people, for the people,� amicably ending the acrimony of electioneering.

Here, power and its contrived access to the spoils of office overtakes the sense of responsibility of most of the ambitious politicians whose lust for power knows no bounds. As bad losers of elections, they take opposition politics to treasonable lengths by brazenly undermining the government of the day by any means necessary, including incitement and deliberate sabotage of policies and programmes. Their activities have been aptly described as the political equivalent of a coup d’Êtat!

Such a situation is currently playing out with the orchestrated vilification of the federal government’s proactive and innovative palliatives projects necessitated by the unprecedented deprivations brought upon the low income and under-privileged class of citizens by the COVID 19 pandemic, itself an unexpected and deadly scourge that has put the world in a panic-stricken forced hibernation with sudden loss of livelihoods and ever-rising death toll. Like virtually all other governments across the world, the federal government has gone all out to come up with various palliative measures to ameliorate the hardship.

One of the bold measures followed a presidential directive issued to the Minister of Humanitarian Affairs, Disaster Management and Social Development Hajia Sadiya Umar Farouk to liaise with state governments to develop strategies for the continuation of the school feeding programme which identified the distribution of Take-Home Rations (THR) to the households of the children on the programme as a feasible option for supporting children to continue to have access to nutrient rich foods despite disruptions to the traditional channels of school feeding. Target beneficiaries are children in primary one to three in public schools already participating in the initial programme from 3,131,971 households that will each receive a take-home ration valued at N4,200, comprising 5 kg bag of rice, 5 kg bag of beans, 500 ml Vegetable Oil, 750 ml Palm Oil, 500 mg Salt, 15 pcs of eggs, 140gm tomato paste. The Humanitarian Affairs Ministry which is getting technical support from the World Food Programme has asked state governments to carry out mapping exercises to trace the households of the children using all available data sources including the School Based Management Boards, community focal persons, cooks on the programme and existing school registers in the LGAs where the schools are domiciled, which is the primary source of data of beneficiaries used by the National HomeGrown School Feeding Programme.

Now, from this background information which was widely publicized, the modified school feeding programme palliative was obviously a well-thought out innovative federal government initiative,

THE OUTLINE OF RESPONSIBILITIES OF STATE GOVERNMENTS ALSO TAKES COMPETENT CARE OF THE ISSUE OF LOCATING THE CHILDREN’S HOMES FROM THE EXISTING SCHOOL REGISTERS

developed in consultation with state governments who will continue to be implementation partners as clearly outlined. Crystal clear is the difference between the COVID 19 version and the original National Home-Grown School Feeding Programme which is that, unlike what obtained pre-COVID-19 when cooked meals were given to the pupils, the modus, this time around is the distribution of uncooked food items.

The logical implication is that the closure of schools is not an issue because the items are to be taken to the children’s homes this time. The outline of responsibilities of state governments also takes competent care of the issue of locating the children’s homes from the existing school registers already incorporated into the original schools feeding programme.

Amazingly, despite these systematic strategies developed to overcome the challenges posed by the COVID 19 stay-at-home lockdowns so that tangible food palliatives can still get, not only to the children but indeed to their households, so-called opposition politicians who are actually opposed to the function of a responsible democratically elected federal government even in delivering succor to school children, have been spewing spurious campaigns of calumny to portray the palliatives as nothing but a ploy to misappropriate public funds! They conveniently pretend not to know that state governments are both implementing and funding partners in the project.

Among their silly statements are: “The policy of feeding children or school pupils at home is just a sham and a smokescreen aimed at deceiving the populace� and “feeding school children that are not in school is a white elephant project aimed at diverting public funds and denying the citizens opportunities of governmental dividends.� All the hue and cry over “billions of naira� is a mischievous rehash of the budget for the original school feeding programme before COVID 19 in which the federal government is funding with the states handling the implementation.

Minister of Humanitarian Affairs, Hajia Sadiya Farouk, has built a reputation for probity and prudence in her meritorious days at the National Refugees Commission and she is not about to deviate. In fact she has ensured the deployment of resources to ensure equity and accountability, ranging from DSS, EFCC, ICPC, Code of Conduct Bureau and a host of NGOs and CSOs to field personnel and monitoring teams as well as hotlines to provide accurate information and redress grievances.

This narration is an exposure of the unpatriotic and anti-people motivations that drive opposition politics in Nigeria today and the threat they pose to the delivery of good governance and development.

It lays bare the unscrupulous attitude of the average opposition politician whose inordinate ambition to grab political power by hook or crook, implies a gold-digging pre-occupation for self-aggrandizement should they ever get into public office.

Yakubu, an entrepreneur and public affairs commentator, wrote from Kaduna

IS KOGI AND CROSS RIVER TRULY COVID-19 FREE? The claims of both states should be subjected to serious scrutiny, writes Adewale Kupoluyi

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n the last few weeks, there has been series of denials, accusations, and counter-accusations between state government officials and federal health authorities on whether the coronavirus disease (COVID-19) cases exist in two states of Kogi and Cross River. Both states have been claiming that the deadly virus has no place in their vicinity because of their proactive efforts. The position of the state governments has raised the curiosity among Nigerians on whether the claims are real or not considering what is at stake should there be any misrepresentation.

Despite the assurances, the Kogi State Commissioner for Health, Dr. Saka Haruna disclosed that the state was under intense pressure to say otherwise by declaring that it had COVID-19 cases and vowed that it would not succumb to such pressure. The commissioner alleged that the aim of those involved was to politicise the situation and discredit the high rating of the state on its health achievements as attested to by local and international observers. The Kogi State Governor, Yahaya Bello added that the state should not be inundated with much panic and fears about the coronavirus as if the world was coming to an end, saying that focus should now be on the myriads of problems plaguing the country.

According to Bello, Nigeria had lost fewer people to COVID-19 than to other serious national challenges such as Boko Haram terrorists, kidnappers, cattle rustlers, road accidents, hunger, malaria, and child mortality, among others. The Cross River State Governor, Prof. Ben Ayade has equally claimed that his state was free from coronavirus. Ayade suggested to the federal government to ensure that vaccine for the virus is obtained from antibodies of patients that had recovered from the virus and that heavy investment should be deployed to research and vaccine production in Nigeria. Contrary to the governor’s claim, a non-governmental organisa-

tion, the Efik Leadership Foundation (ELF) has insisted that there was evidence that coronavirus exists in the Cross River State even though the Nigeria Centre for Disease Control (NCDC) has not officially announced any confirmed cases.

The foundation averred that the state government had been ‘rejecting’ COVID-19 testing, as there was enough anecdotal evidence to support the belief that cases of the COVID-19 disease truly existed in the state. The group noted that the state was not prepared to deal with the pandemic in any institutional manner or under any known best practice and that the state government had not trained, equipped, and deployed health officials to fight the pandemic. ELF called on the federal government to stop the state government from exposing the people to ‘avoidable death’ by establishing COVID-19 test stations even though the state government had dismissed the group’s claims as false. The Cross River State NMA informed that the capacity of the University of Calabar Teaching Hospital Isolation Centre was grossly inadequate necessitating the state government to set up more elaborate isolation centres.

To ascertain the veracity of the allegations by both state governments, the Minister of Health, Dr. Osagie Ehanire stated that the federal government would dispatch technical teams to validate the claims. Ehanire said the initial team dispatched to Kogi had a failed mission because of ‘some differences’ with the state authorities and that fresh engagement would be carried out just as the NCDC Director-General, Dr. Chikwe Ihekweazu maintained that the two states were not doing enough tests to detect the killer virus. The national body of the Nigerian Medical Association (NMA) has equally decried the positions of Kogi and Cross River state governments to NCDC guidelines on testing, warning that the positions of both states could seriously imperil national response to

controlling the pandemic.

NMA charged the federal government to direct the Presidential Task Force (PTF) to investigate allegations against the state governments. The association has warned that premature pronouncements by the state governments could constitute outright interference in NCDC’s coordination of COVID-19 case treatment for effectiveness. Why the fuss about the claims by the two states? It would be recalled that in Kano State, Governor Abdullahi Ganduje exhibited poor early response to the pandemic and pre-occupied himself with lamenting how the federal government purportedly abandoned his state that has now become the nation’s number two epicentre of the disease. The governor consistently claimed that the ‘mysterious deaths’ in Kano State were not related to coronavirus only to be proved wrong by findings of the Presidential Task Force on COVID-19.

This is at variance with the timely response of some states like Lagos, Ogun, Ekiti, and Edo whose governors neither denied the existence of the disease nor waited for the federal government by taking early and extraordinary measures.

What all states in the country should do is to join the federal government in taming the monster.

Governors should ensure that the collection of samples becomes the responsibility of their states.

Not only that, but they should intensify their public enlightenment programmes on radio, television, and town criers for massive campaigns to the rural and community areas, who are still either ignorant of the disease or hold the wrong perception that the disease is an affliction of the rich. The positions of the Kogi and Cross River state governors require serious scrutiny. If it is true that none of the states has cases of COVID-19, this is commendable but they should indeed be confident and avoid being apprehensive of investigations by federal health officials. By expecting the people to believe

their governors’ claims without authentication by relevant bodies such as NCDC flouts the principles of natural justice since they cannot be the judge in their own case (Nemo judex in causa sua).

Meanwhile, if the state governments’ allegations are not eventually correct, then the governors would have done a great disservice to their people, who they swore to protect and defend. The truth is that there is a crisis of trust in leadership in Nigeria because of disappointments and failed promises in governance. The people appear to have little faith in their leaders. Lack of trust is what is playing out between the two state governments and federal authorities. It is also the case between the people and government, who still question the existence of the coronavirus. It is the same distrust that makes people believe that Kogi and Cross River state governments are either being economical with the truth or playing politics with the lives of their people.

Many people are also of the opinion that the pandemic is being used by the elite and their international collaborators to exploit the common man.

With this mindset, federal health officials should elicit the confidence of the people, who are currently angry and hungry because of the pandemic whose abrupt incursion into peoples’ lives is mired by controversies and series of conspiracy theories.

More importantly, there is the need to look inwards as it should not be ruled out that the solution could come from Nigeria, and indeed Africa amid our numerous, brilliant, hardworking, and uncelebrated local scientists and researchers. To get a clean bill of Nigerians, what all the stakeholders in the management of COVID-19 - state governments and federal health officials - need to urgently do at this critical time is to simply uphold honesty, sincerity, and openness.

Kupoluyi wrote from Federal University of Agriculture, Abeokuta

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T H I S D AY ˾ MONDAY, MAY 18, 2020

EDITORIAL DEATHS BY ELECTROCUTION The regulatory authority should sanction erring companies for wilful neglect

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he recent death by electrocution of a popular Nigerian dancer has yet again brought to fore the rate at which lives are being lost to this menace. In its report for the second quarter of 2019, the Nigerian Electricity Regulatory Commission (NERC) lamented that no fewer than three persons were electrocuted every week.

In the last quarter of 2018, there were 136,393 complaints from customers about the negligence of the electricity distribution companies (Discos) but by the first quarter of 2019, the complaints had jumped to 151,938. While the body counts continue to mount, the regulatory authorities have not been able to provide any solution.

Last December, six inmates serving various prison terms at Ikoyi Correctional Centre, Lagos, died of electrocution following electricity surge that led to an explosion of cables. Several inmates were also injured. Although the Minister of Interior, Rauf Aregbesola visited the centre in the aftermath and made some promises, no action has been taken since then.

THE AUTHORITIES IN THE And up till now, POWER SECTOR SHOULD Nigerians have not DEVELOP THE HABIT OF been provided any QUICK RESPONSE TO explanation for what exactly happened.

COMPLAINTS ABOUT That such a FALLEN ELECTRICITY POLES AND EXPOSED LIVE tragedy continues to recur raises serious WIRES questions about how the authorities in the power sector take the issue of safety. There is hardly a day without a case of electrocution, mostly due to negligence on the part of the operators in the sector. The incidence of death by electrocution has indeed become so rampant that the electricity power authorities ought to come up with a sustainable solution to remedy the problem. That would necessitate putting in place a structure for rapid response.

Indeed, this is necessary as many cases of electrocution result from a lackadaisical attitude of the electricity company workers who often ignore early warnings and appeals from residents about faulty wires in their neighbourhoods. From available records, the time lag between when a fault is reported and it is fixed goes up to one month. There are also times when there would be no response from the authorities thus leaving residents with no other choice but self-help with all the attendant risks.

I T H I S DAY EDITOR BOLAJI ADEBIYI DEPUTY EDITOR YEMI AJAYI, DAVIDSON IRIEKPEN, MANAGING DIRECTOR ENIOLA BELLO DEPUTY MANAGING DIRECTOR KAYODE KOMOLAFE CHAIRMAN EDITORIAL BOARD OLUSEGUN ADENIYI EDITOR NATION’S CAPITAL IYOBOSA UWUGIAREN MANAGING EDITOR JOSEPH USHIGIALE

T H I S DAY N E W S PA P E R S L I M I T E D EDITOR-IN-CHIEF/CHAIRMAN NDUKA OBAIGBENA GROUP EXECUTIVE DIRECTORS ENIOLA BELLO, KAYODE KOMOLAFE, ISRAEL IWEGBU, IJEOMA NWOGWUGWU, EMMANUEL EFENI DIVISIONAL DIRECTORS BOLAJI ADEBIYI, PETER IWEGBU, ANTHONY OGEDENGBE DEPUTY DIVISIONAL DIRECTOR OJOGUN VICTOR DANBOYI SNR. ASSOCIATE DIRECTOR ERIC OJEH ASSOCIATE DIRECTORS PATRICK EIMIUHI, SAHEED ADEYEMO CONTROLLERS ABIMBOLA TAIWO, UCHENNA DIBIAGWU, NDUKA MOSERI DIRECTOR, PRINTING PRODUCTION CHUKS ONWUDINJO HEAD, COMPUTER DEPARTMENT PATRICIA UBAKA-ADEKOYA

n several places across the country, there are many old and broken down wooden and concrete electricity poles, some with naked wires dangling overhead. It only takes a serious rainfall or heavy wind to blow off some of the poles. In such a situation, inhabitants of the affected areas live in constant fear of instant death.

That is why we reiterate our call on the authorities in the power sector to develop a habit of quick response to complaints about fallen electricity poles and exposed live wires.

In one particular incident a few years ago, a high- tension wire snapped off a pole, electrocuting a staff of a power distribution company, and a security guard who had lived and worked in the area for about 30 years. In yet another shocking incident, a middle-aged woman and her son were electrocuted in Osogbo, also in Osun State by a cable felled by rain. Mother and son reportedly stepped on live electric cable as they attempted to escape from the electric shocks that reportedly affected their homes when the cable fell.

What the foregoing says clearly is that we place little premium on human lives and if we are to develop, that culture has to change. We therefore implore the management of the power sector to come up with stringent policies to deal with this negligence that has sent thousands of Nigerians to untimely deaths.

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TO OUR READERS Letters in response to specific publications in THISDAY should be brief (150-200 words) and straight to the point. Interested readers may send such letters along with their contact details to opinion@thisdaylive.com. We also welcome comments and opinions on topical local, national and international issues provided they are well-written and should also not be longer than (9501000 words). They should be sent to opinion@thisdaylive.com along with the email address and phone numbers of the writer.

Covid-19 And The Church

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ovid-19 is a biological weapon developed in order to create market opportunity for the sale of digital identity vaccine to the nations of the World. Covid-19 is a product of the promoters of digital identity vaccine and digital identity vaccine cannot operate in 2G, 3G and 4G except 5G. Digital identity vaccine can only seat and operate in 5G effectively. Covid-19 is a global pandemic that has wrecked economic activities, social activities, religious activities, industrial activities and trading activities globally. We have seen churches, mosques, schools, sport centres, tourism centres, mall centres and cinema centres shut down globally at the outbreak of Covid-19. Covid-19 has not only placed threat on large gathering of people, but has altered people’s perception to process technology use globally. Covid-19 is the worst pandemic ever in human history. A biological disease that has incapacitated both developed and developing countries globally. It renders world power nations and the church powerless globally. But John G. Lake will forever be disappointed with the General Overseers, Spiritual Leaders and Senior pastors of this generation’s inability to pray the World out of Covid-19 outbreak calamity. Covid-19 confirmed cases are over four million persons globally. John G. Lake cannot be forgotten easily in his fight against Bubonic plague outbreak in 1900. It is saddening that from Asia to South and North America, Middle East to Africa and Europe there is no minister of God who can give the World Power Nations (the State) and their allied organization direction on Covid-19 solution. This is a clear indication of the secret powers of Anti-Christ grip on the church of God. The non-involvement of the church in reaching out to the needy in their respective congregation during this devastating time is indicative of false religion spirit.

They care more of tithes and offerings rather than human beings, the core essence of instituting the church on earth. Three paramount goals earmarked the early church administration, namely: Ministry of the Word, Ministry of Prayer and Welfare Ministry. Paul emphasized that negligence to the ministry of welfare for the needy, orphans and widows is considered impure and false religion (James 1:27). Today spiritual leaders and pastors perceived mass accumulation of wealth and mass gathering of people in church congregation as indicative of the grace of God in their ministry work. But this is far from what scripture revealed to us. Scripture shows us that reaching (meeting) Zero Needy, Poverty and Hunger congregation is the core indicative of God’s Grace (Acts2:4247; Acts 4:32-35). To help the church play key role in restoring economic prosperity in our land amidst Covid-19 crisis, the church of Nigeria must restructure her administrative style in line with the early church goals.

There were three goals that shaped the early church administrative style namely love goal by living common life, evident by sharing belongings among one another in community of believers (Acts2:44-45), Common Fellowship goal by breaking bread (The Word) and prayers daily in designated house fellowship centres (Acts2:46-47), and Zero Needy goal target by gathering church offerings, tithes and asset offerings given to the church by net worth individual member to design employable career development program of 21st century (Acts4:32-35). On this note, the church of Nigeria should pursue love goal, common fellowship goal and zero needy goal targets in order to partner the state in restoring our economy from the devastation of Covid-19 pandemic. May God Almighty give the church insight on how to help the state overcome Covid-19 pandemic crisis in the churches of Christ globally.

Pedro Ukokobili, Lagos

Ibrahim Gambari As Chief Of Staff

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fter intense lobbying among the various political groups, Mr. President has finally settled for Ibrahim Gambari. The new chief of staff is not new to Nigerians. He is a diplomat and former university teacher with vast network and experience from United Nations. Professor Gambari is a polished and cosmopolitan individual whose academic background and wealth of experience cannot be questioned within or outside the country.

The new chief of staff worked with seven head of states. Professor Gambari was Buhari’s Minister of External Affairs between 1984 and 1985. With these impeccable and intimidating qualifications and experience spanning decades, Gambari is eminently qualified to fill the vacuum left by late Abba Kyari.

Professor Gambari’s appointment like any others has been greeted by criticism and commendation across the political divide.

While some groups condemned the appointment based on his position when the Niger Delta environmental activist, King Saro-wiwa was executed, others have praised him to high heavens.

Gambari was serving in the United Nations at the time Saro-Wiwa was killed. But the posers begging for answers now are: which kind of COS is Gambari likely to be? Will he be as powerful as the late Abba Kyari? When confronted by the media on how he would operate as a chief of staff, Gambari replied, “I will report to the office of Mr President not Nigerians”. If Gambari, in the course of exercising his duties earn the trust and confidence of the president, he will be powerful. brahim Mustapha, Pambegua, Kaduna State

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MONDAY MAY 18, 2020 • T H I S D AY

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FEATURES

Group Features Editor: Chiemelie Ezeobi Email chiemelie.ezeobi@thisdaylive.com, 08038901925

Nigeria’s Window of Opportunity to Digitally Transform is Closing Bunmi Banjo, PhDc

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s recently as January of this year many governments and international organisations were discussing the Future of Work as an event that would commence in five, maybe ten years from now. The World Economic Forum published a report on January 22, in which they mapped future opportunities for jobs in new digital economies, and noted an ambition to drive initiatives for as many as one billion people in the global labour market over the next 10 years.

That was a long time ago, in the days before we found ourselves in the middle of the worst pandemic humanity has faced in 100 years. The COVID-19 crisis has sped up the arrival of the future and has thrown the shortcomings of our societies and governments into the spotlight.

Many countries, even richer ones, have millions of young people that come from disadvantaged backgrounds.

The ongoing effects of the virus have kept students and teachers at home, and made a move to e-learning necessary. This theoretically could have levelled the playing field in education, since digital platforms, ebooks, and simulated experiments can be utilised by anyone with internet access.

The value and importance of electronic and mobile learning during this period cannot be overestimated.

Unfortunately, these opportunities are lost on most Nigerians. Educators have varying levels of digital literacy and most people can simply not afford the data and devices required to sustain online learning on existing high bandwidth platforms.

COVID-19 has exposed how unprepared we are to educate our people, but what about the 50+ million products of our education system across levels in the last decade or so?

According to the national bureau of statistics, 23 per cent are unemployed, and 20 per cent underemployed. Of the remaining 28 million who are presumably fairly employed, more than 10 million are estimated to lose their jobs in the coming months as the pandemic continues.

Most of these would be because their current jobs either cannot be feasibly done remotely or their employers have not made the investments necessary to make working from home a reality.

So, we are talking about 31.5 million Nigerians in their working prime without a path to contribute positively to the economy in the foreseeable future.

While the story of job losses reflects the pressure placed on businesses by the pandemic, this is not a permanent situation. History has shown that as more industries digitise, new opportunities are created. However different skills will be needed to harness these opportunities that will eventually abound in several sectors, including financial services, insurance, agriculture, entertainment, and healthcare. This will be the case at the national, regional and global levels.

The job market requires critical thinkers, innovators and solutionoriented individuals. To be competitive Nigeria has to do more. There needs to be a National Digital Transformation agenda that starts with lifting the digital capabilities of the people that will shape the future of our society.

We need a new paradigm, led by the government in collaboration with the private sector and public at large. One that would put us on a path to create

Banjo

jobs, and improve the lives and livelihoods of tens of millions of Nigerians.

An education framework fit for the digital age would adopt new curriculums that focus on programming, applied mathematics and basic data analytics. At the very minimum, such areas as information and data literacy, communication and collaboration, digital content creation, internet safety, and problem solving would be included. To achieve this widely, we need strategic policies and resources in place to help institutions of learning effectively use technology. Adequate digital skills training must become a mandatory component of all teacher training programmes from the primary to tertiary levels.

A society that is fit for the digital age must also include public servants with the skills and ways of working that are needed to deliver government services

digitally. Governmental services need to accelerate the adoption of data and digital technologies to deliver personalised, integrated, and proactive services, and drive productivity and efficiency at all levels of government.

The public sector also needs to attract, retain, and nurture high-quality talent and the right leadership across the whole of government required for a culture of innovation and change. There will be plenty of such talent available in the coming months as retrenchments abound in the private sector.

Finally, and perhaps most importantly, this is the time to build practical, locally relevant platforms that will help boost the nation’s skills while people are staying at home. A low bandwidth digital platform that allows content to be saved for offline review on mobile devices can be developed in partnership with the private sector.

Training Nigerians to be digitally skilled is of national strategic importance and thus must be led and encouraged by the government.

We need a clear roadmap for how digital technology would be implemented nationally to bridge the digital divide that is widening with COVID-19, enhance knowledge, and prepare us for the days ahead

Training content can be curated by teams of savvy young Nigerians who are itching to help Nigeria get ahead in this regard, with advice from subject matter experts and potential employers.

Such a platform would give people access to free, high-quality digital and numeracy courses to help build up their skills, progress in work and boost their job prospects. As so many will be required to stay at home in the coming months, such a platform would offer a great opportunity to learn new skills and gain the knowledge that would improve economic prospects in the post-COVID era.

Training Nigerians to be digitally skilled is of national strategic importance and thus must be led and encouraged by the government. We need a clear roadmap for how digital technology would be implemented nationally to bridge the digital divide that is widening with COVID-19, enhance knowledge, and prepare us for the days ahead. We have a small window to build a digital nation and give ourselves a chance to be competitive in the future. If we do not take it, we may never recover from the resulting economic abyss.

-Banjo is a technology leadership and future of work speaker and advisor, and CEO of Kuvora, a Digital Transformation and Workforce Skilling consultancy. She is a former Google Africa executive where she built the company’s digital skills program that provides free training to millions of people.

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REPO 3.42 2.75

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M A Y 504.49% - 0.03% - -0.42%

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Quick Takes NIDOA USA to Distribute Palliatives

INVESTITURE CEREMONY

L-R:Former President, Chartered Institute of Bankers of Nigeria (CIBN), Debola Osibogun; President/Chairman of Council, CIBN, Mr. Bayo Olugbemi, and Registrar/CEO, CIBN, Mr. Seye Awojobi, during the investiture of Olugbemi as the 21st President of CIBN, held in Lagos...recently ETOP UKUTT

Ground Handling Companies Foresee N20bn Revenue Loss Chinedu Eze The Association of Aviation Ground Handlers (AGHAN) has predicted loss of about N20 billion for operators in the sub-sector by the end of June, due to the lockdown.

The association said its members have been had hit by the Covid-19 pandemic, which has devastated the global economy since the beginning of the year.

AGHAN membership comprises the Nigerian Aviation Handling Company (NAHCO) Plc, the Skyway Aviation Handling Company (SAHCO) and Aviation Handling Services (AHS).

The association also reiterated that it would not grant freight forwarders 100 per cent demurrage on cargo as demanded by its umbrella body- the Association of Nigeria Licensed Customs Agents (ANLCA). Rather, it said

AVIATION the association should liaise with the federal government and its agencies on the way forward.

Chairman of AGHAN, Mr. Adigun Olaniyi, in an interview with journalists in Lagos, at the weekend, decried the advent of the virus and lamented its devastating effect on ground handling business in the sector.

He stressed that the partial relaxation of the lockdown by the federal government did not indicate the end to the crisis in the country.

Olaniyi, who said the essence of the association, which was inaugurated in December 2019, was to ensure sanity, fair play and entrench standards in the operational procedures of the ground handling business in Nigeria, stressed that losses to

be incurred by ground handlers could exceed the N20 billion if the airspace was not opened by June 2020.

He regretted that due to the pandemic, the entire first quarter of 2020 was wasted, while a major part of the second quarter was also lost to the crisis, saying that only third and fourth quarter could be salvaged this year. “Meanwhile, we have our equipment bought in dollars and when we purchased these equipment, naira was still N360 to a dollar. We have import duties to pay to respective bodies. “The government did not give us import waiver as it did to the airlines and others, yet, an ordinary forklift is not produced here in Nigeria, we only assembly them in the country Nigeria. Yet, the ground handlers charge for their services in naira,� he said.

On the 100 per cent waivers

request by freight forwarders, he declared that the ground handlers would not grant such request, saying that during the lockdown, the handlers did not get any form of waivers from the government and wondered why such should be granted any organisation and body.

The AGHAN Chairman charged ANLCA not to be myopic in their appeal for 100 per cent waivers; rather, they should go through the “normal� channel to press home their demand.

He said: “Even, we don’t encourage demurrage because the warehouses are not storage and it increases your liability. “If government gives room to full operations by the airlines, when do you think the airlines will return to fly their normal frequencies? Once there is drop

The Nigerians in Diaspora Organisation, Americas (NIDOA), USA, will distributepalliativestovulnerablepopulationsfromvariousethnicgroups resident in Lagos this week.

According to a statement from the organisation’s Public Relations OďŹƒcer, Dr. YinkaTella, the exercise, which is part of NIDO Americas USA’s WECARE COVID-19 palliatives initiative, will be held this Thursday and Friday, May 22, with Ajegunle, Mile 12, and Ayobo/Ipaja communities beneďŹ tting.

Tella, said food packages consisting of rice, beans, garri, power oil, and maggi, as well as reusable masks would be given to beneďŹ ciaries.

The exercise is being conducted in partnership with the Organisation of Women in International Trade (OWIT), Nigeria Chapter, and community leaders in the target areas.

NIDOAmericasUSAChairman,Ms.PatienceNdidiKey,saidtheorganisation was moved to assist some of those whose means of livelihood have been truncated by shelter-in-place orders and that a “Feed Nigeria Fund� will soon be launched to tackle hunger on a sustainable basis.

Key, stressed the importance of strategic alliances between NIDO Americas USA and trusted organisations like OWIT to execute projects in Nigeria.

On her part, OWIT Nigeria President, Ms. Blessing Irabor, expressed delight about the initiative, saying, “I want to appreciate NIDO Americas USA for considering our organization a worthy local partner to execute this project. I pray God Almighty strengthens them and replenishes the sources where this money came from.�

Commenting on the initiative, the Ambassador of Nigeria to the United States, Ambassador Sylvanus Nsofor, commended NIDO Americas USA.

ABCHealth Announces New CEO

The African Business Coalition for Health (ABCHealth) has announced the appointment of Mories Atoki as Chief Executive OďŹƒcer, following the unanimousagreementofitsBoardofDirectors. Accordingtoastatement, Atoki brings years of experience as senior manager with PricewaterhouseCoopers where she pioneered and led the ďŹ rm’s Sustainability & Climate Change practice. “With an extensive track record in the ďŹ eld of development and as a recognised sustainability expert, she is a member of the Advisory Board of Partners for Review (P4R), a United Nations supported initiative to standardise sustainable development reporting. “Mories is also an alumnus of Harvard Business School (HBS) as well as the London School of Business & Finance,â€? the statement added.

The Chairman of ABCHealth and Co Chairman of Global Business Coalition for Health (GBCHealth), Aigboje Aig-Imoukhuede, was quoted in the statement to have said, “Mories’ appointment comes at a critical moment forABCHealth. WehavejustďŹ nalizedarigorousstrategicplanningprocess aimed at transforming Africa’s Health landscape. “Our theory of change now needs to be implemented and Mories has a mandate to successfully drive its implementation.â€? Also, CEO of Aliko Dangote Foundation (ADF) and Board member of ABCHealth, Zouera Youssoufou, said: “Mories has a strong track record for execution, she has good communications skills and great leadership capabilities.

TD Africa Marks 21st Anniversary

TD Africa is celebrating 21 years of technology distribution ecosystem in sub-Saharan Africa.To this end, the organisation recently reached out to the less-privileged with a visit to the Modupe Cole Memorial Child Care andTreatment Home, Akoka,Yaba; where it donated food items and other essentials to the children of the institution as part of activities to mark the celebration. To commemorate the 21st anniversary, the distribution company, at the weekend, organised a digital party in line with the ongoing regime of social distancing occasioned by the COVID-19 crisis.

The party, which featured popular disc jockey, DJ Big N, was hosted on its live Instagram page. Management and sta of TD Africa, partners, Continued on page 20 customers, well-wishers as well as its followers on social media, joined the online party.

TD Africa also gave its partners something to remember by hosting a treasure hunt on its website, which aorded some lucky partners a chance to enjoy 95 per cent discount on products discovered hidden on the site. on all orders worth $100,000 and above. money to buy seeds. “Seeds should be used as palliatives instead of giving food or money to farmers, that seeds should be given to them as palliatives. And this is another “The award of an EPC way of actually subsidising and contract in the LNG ensuring that seeds become industry is welcome news available to farmers.â€?

Ojo, said the council was doing anywhere in the world. all within its reach to ensure that Although it might mean seed sector related activities are more competition for sustained and promoted amidst industry operators� the pandemic for the country to be able to have continuous Minister of State for Petroleum supply of adequate quantities

NASC Advocates Seed-Palliatives for Farmers James Emejo in Abuja The Director General, National Agricultural Seeds Council (NASC), Dr. Philip Ojo, has urged both the federal and state governments to consider providing seeds as palliatives to farmers amidst the devastating impact of COVID-19 in the country.

He also said the seed industry currently has about 81,000 metric tons of certified seeds of rice, maize, sorghum, soyabean, cowpea, millet, groundnut, wheat, sesame and potato that are ready for deployment and purchase by

AGRIC farmers for the production of food and raw materials for Nigerians during the current planting season.

However, he said giving seed palliatives would serve as a subsidy as well as ensure that seeds become available to most farmers, who no longer have money to purchase seeds for the planting season, having exhausted their savings on food during the recent lockdown by the government to contain the spread of the COVID-19 pandemic.

Speaking to journalists via a

web conference on the preparation and readiness for the 2020 planting season, including strategies put in place to help the seed industry cope with the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic, the NASC boss also urged the government and individuals who intend to give seed palliatives to ensure that the inputs are sourced from NASC accredited seed companies.

He said: “We are advocating that seeds should be used as palliatives because a lot of people have spent their money trying to buy food during this pandemic and a lot of them particularly grassroots farmers don’t have

Resources,

Continued on page 20

Timipre Sylva

T H I S D AY Ëž ÍŻÍśËœ 2020

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BUSINESSWORLD GROUND HANDLING COMPANIES FORESEE N20BN REVENUE LOSS in frequencies, there will be drop in our passenger revenue. “One can say cargo is coming in, but remember what we call multiplier effect. If America can lose up to 30 million jobs so far because of the crisis, can you quantify the number of jobs we are going to lose in Nigeria? “If the importers bring in goods for instance and we decided to clear it free of charge and Nigerians don’t have enough capital to purchase the goods because they have lost their jobs, recession will set it and the importers will not be encouraged to bring in additional goods. So, there is going to be reduction in the cargo inflow because there is no economic power to buy these goods and services The federal government last week issued a set of palliatives to help Medium, Small and Micro Enterprises (MSMEs) wade through the current economic fallouts of the COVID-19 pandemic. According to Vice President Yemi Osinbajo, the palliatives reflected the Buhari administration’s determination to support MSMEs and the priority the federal government placed on small businesses.

NASC ADVOCATES SEED-PALLIATIVES FOR FARMERS

of food for its population.

He added: “As the industry is preparing to push this quantity of certified seeds to the market, companies, like every farmer, are also preparing to go to their fields to plant so that we can have adequate quantities of seeds for the next cropping season.�

The DG further called on the government to facilitate smooth movement of farmers as reports have highlighted some bottlenecks despite the recent directive by President Muhammadu Buhari.

He noted that government’s measures on mobility have negatively impacted on the movement of seed companies and farmers to point of sales/agro-dealers and informal markets. He said the production and supply of early generation seed and importantly the quality assurance activities including seed field inspection and laboratory testing had also been negatively impacted.

Group Business Editor

Obinna Chima

Capital Market Editor

Goddy Egene

Comms/e-Business Editor

Emma Okonji

Senior Correspondent

Raheem Akingbolu (Advertising) Correspondents

Chinedu Eze (Aviation) Eromosele Abiodun (Maritime) James Emejo (Finance) Ebere Nwoji (Insurance) Chineme Okafor ((Energy) Reporters

Nume Ekeghe (Money Market) Nosa Alekhuogie (ICT)

NEWS

CACOVID Donates Medical Equipment to Borno Ugo Aliogo

impact of COVID-19 on social lives and businesses across the world was tremendous, assuring the state government that the private sector would continue the donation

towards the course. “The coalition raised funds to procure equipment and palliatives needed to combat the menace of COVID-19 pandemic in the

country. There will be more donations and intervention, we will continue the intervention especially food items aspects of this intervention,� she added.

Receiving the items, the Deputy Governor, Umaru Kadafur, lauded the private sector for donating the lifesaving items, adding that they came at the right time.

The Private Sector Coalition Against COVID-19 (CACOVID) has donated medical equipment to the Borno State government to support the COVID-19 fight in the state.

While presenting the items, the representative of CACOVID-19, Fatimeh Jarma, said the coalition was instituted by the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) on behalf of the Bankers’ Committee and in partnership with the private sector to raise funds needed to fight the pandemic across the country.

Jarma, who is the Business Development Manager of First Bank Borno/ Yobe States respectively, was quoted in a statement to have said that the items included five patients’ monitor, five infusion pumps, electric suction machine 7A-23D, five oxygen concentrator, 13,000 face masks, 10,000 face shield and 500 Personal Protective L-R: Public Affairs and Communications Manager, Coca-Cola Nigeria Limited, Nwamaka Onyemelukwe; Community Affairs Manager, Emeka Mbah; Equipment (PPE).

Founder and CEO, Whitefield Foundation, Olufunmilola Johnson, and Coke CARES Volunteer, Nkechi Odiari, at the Coke CARES food support She stated that the negative community outreach sponsored by employees of Coca-Cola Nigeria in Lagos... recently ETOP UKUTT

FOOD SUPPORTOUTREACH

NIMC Urges African Governments to Promote Digital Identity Emma Okonji Following the adverse effect of COVID-19 on global economies, the Director-General of the National Identity Management Commission (NIMC), Aliyu Aziz, has called on African countries to be innovative and in particular, take digital identity seriously in order to navigate the resultant impacts and disruptions which the pandemic was throwing up.

The NIMC boss who made the call in his remarks during a three-day Africa Tech Leaders Webinar series on COVID-19 organised by Digital Jewels

Limited, said the pandemic brought unexpected troubles to the entire world, disrupting all plans and projections.

While discussing public sector outlook on the COVID-19 pandemic, Aziz emphasised that the pandemic presented an opportunity for the Nigerian and African public sector to embrace technology and make swift decisions to effect change to suit the current reality.

Fielding questions on the huge disparity in technology adoption between the private and public sectors in Nigeria, Aziz said the public sector had not quite adopted technology,

while stressing the need for change management.

According to him, ‘’The slow adoption can be attributed to factors such as problem definition, policy formulation, political will, the disparity in remuneration, population size, and too many cooks.’’ He shed light on what the Commission was doing to scale up National Identification Number (NIN) enrolment.

NIMC currently has 42 million unique records in the National Identity Database (NIDB) and has the mandate of the Federal Executive Council (FEC) to enroll all Nigerians and foreign legal

residents in the next three to five years through the ecosystem approach, with funding of $433 million from the World Bank, Agence Francaise de DĂŠveloppement (AfD), and the European Union, Aziz said.

On why Bank Verification Number (BVN) and not the National Identification Number (NIN) was used for the administration of the COVID-19 palliatives, he said: “If you’re doing anything about payments you can go through BVN. But NIN is the foundational Identity.

BVN and the NIN follow the same standard. “When there’s a pandemic,

the government can readily use what’s available. There is an ongoing harmonisation of BVN with NIN, out of which 14 million has been processed.�

Aziz noted that the Commission adopted the global best practices in data management.

The NIMC ISO certification in 2014, and recent recertification in 2020 is a confirmation of the Commission’s continuous efforts at protecting its data, he said, adding that the process of capturing and storing the data is secured and there are data protection guidelines and a data protection Bill in the National Assembly awaiting passage.

Clearing Agents Seek FG’s Intervention On Demurrage Charges Eromosele Abiodun Clearing agents at the nation’s airports have called on the federal government to intervene on the demand for storage charges by Nigerian Aviation Handling Company, (NAHCO) Plc and Skyway Aviation Handling Company (SAHCO), during the lockdown period.

The President of Africa Association of Professional Freight Forwarders and Logistics on Nigeria, (APFFLON), Frank Ogunojemite, in a statement accused NAHCO and SAHCO of demanding for storage charges during the lockdown.

The APFFLON alleged that after observing the one-month lockdown to curb the COVID-19

pandemic in Lagos, freight forwarders resumed at the airports on Monday May 4, only to find out that NAHCO and SAHCO had slammed demurrage charges on goods uncleared as well as consignments which arrived during the lockdown.

Ogunojemite, further accused the two companies of noncompliance with the federal government order, saying their decision succeeded in sparking off avoidable protest that resulted to the assemblage of protesters, thereby violating the social distancing order.

While calling on the Minister of Aviation, Sen. Hadi Sirika to urgently intervene, he said, “Above all, APFFLON on behalf of all freight forwarders beckoned on the Federal Government, the

Minister Of Aviation, Minister of Transportation, and concerned stakeholders to urgently intervene and save Nigerians from being exploited by the duo of SAHCOL and NAHCO.�

Ogunojemite, said the importers and freight agents should obey the President’s directive to stay at home, therefore ground-handling companies should waive storage charges for the period.

He said, “Is it the fault of importers and freight agents that there was a lockdown? How can these companies charge us for the lockdown period? We expect 100 percent storage-free period and nothing less. As a result of this crisis no business activity has taken place at SAHCO or NAHCO.

“I see this as an act of irresponsibility and wickedness on the part of ground handling companies, because they could work out a rebate with Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria (FAAN).�

He stated that the protest wouldn’t have been considered in the first place had it been the cargo handling companies did not come up with such callous decision. He accused NAHCO and SAHCOL of creating artificial monopoly in cargo handling business thereby making cargo clearing business very difficult for agents, adding that for the fact that agents have no other choice than to patronise either of the two companies, now made them to hinge on that to punish them at their whims and caprices.

The APPFLON boss outlined the measures his association had taken so far to draw the attention of the FAAN, the Nigerian Shippers’ Council(NSC) and the Council for Regulation of Freight Forwarding practice in Nigeria (CRFFN) to the matter.

He kicked against the alleged exploitation, saying that the decision taken by the companies would not stand.

He, however, advised the handling companies to work out a rebate with FAAN, by tendering a proof of the consignments they gave waivers to in order to get similar compensation that will be given to shipping companies and Terminal operators at sea port by the Federal Government for same waiver from Nigeria Ports Authority (NPA).

SMEs Must Reinvent to Remain Competitive, Says Sekibo The Managing Director/Chief Executive, Heritage Bank Limited, Mr. Ifie Sekibo has advised small and medium scale enterprises (SMEs) to reinvent themselves in order to remain competitive and overcome the challenges of the COVID-19 pandemic.

Speaking on “Converting ideas into reality with focus on SMEs,� Sekibo also stressed

the need for small businesses to continually embrace partnership and function as an integral part of a value chain. “For SMEs to strive, they must continually re-invent themselves, one big plus for SMEs is that they are quite small, and they can easily change. Cooperation is key at this very time. I advocate always, competition is good

but complementing each other is better, it comes with value chain principle. “When you plan yourself in a value chain, you gain more because the big dinosaurs need the small SMEs to survive. The economy of Nigeria needs the SME to survive. “I recommend that partnerships are developed in the space of SMEs; one-man business find it difficult to

survive in an economy that is changing on daily basis or even hourly. If you want to remain viable, your dreams being viable, partnerships are good way to go,� a statement quoted him to have said.

Sekibo, also counselled SMEs on the need to adapt to the realities of a new world occasioned by the COVID-19 pandemic, especially the increased adop-

tion of electronic channels (E-Channels) for productivity and product marketing.

He said: “The truth is that even after this pandemic, we can never return to the normal way because this is the new normal and in our desperation to find solution, mistakes abound, failures will set in and most of us will hide from our failures other than face it.

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BUSINESSWORLD

ANALYSIS

Healing a Traumatised Economy Diversifying the revenue base of Nigeria’s economy and creating institutional structures to insulate it from external shocks is urgently required, writes Obinna Chima

T

he Nigerian economy is currently in dire straits with major economic indicators looking grim amidst increasing vulnerabilities.

The disruption caused by the COVID-19, which also contributed to the significant drop in the price of crude oil exposed the economy’s weak underbelly.

Crude oil represents about 95 per cent of Nigeria’s export revenue and a downturn in the market for the commodity always has a ripple effect on the economy.

Clearly, the situation which started as a health crisis has gradually transformed to an economic crisis and has necessitated response from fiscal and monetary policy authorities across the globe, including in Nigeria.

In Nigeria, the Central Bank which acted swiftly, almost when the first case broke out in the country, had unveiled a number of policy initiatives aimed at reducing the adverse impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic on the economy.

Precisely, the CBN Governor, Mr. Godwin Emefiele, had announced an extension of the moratorium on the apex bank’s interventions programmes, interest rate reduction, creation of a N50 billion targeted credit facility and credit support for the healthcare industry.

Others were strengthening the central bank’s Loan to Deposit Ratio (LDR) policy and regulatory forbearance.

The CBN governor announced a moratorium of one year on all principal repayments, effective March 1, 2020, as well as interest rate reduction on all applicable CBN intervention facilities from nine per cent to five per cent per annum for one-year effective March 1, 2020.

He said the total CBN intervention facilities through the Commercial Agricultural Credit Loan Scheme, the Anchor Borrowers’ Programme (ABP) and the Agric, Small and Medium Enterprise Scheme (AGSMEIS) among others are currently worth about N3 trillion and the new rate cut will apply to all facilities.

He further announced the creation of a N50 billion targeted credit facility through the NIRSAL Microfinance Bank for households and small- and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) that have been particularly hard hit by Covid-19, including but not limited to hoteliers, airline service providers, health care merchants, among others.

The central bank also unveiled a N100 billion health sector credit facility for operators in the sector.

The health sector facility is expected to provide loans to pharmaceutical companies intending to expand/open their drug manufacturing plants in the country and would also accommodate hospital and healthcare practitioners who intend to expand/build the health facilities to first-class centres.

The CBN also granted all banks leave to consider temporary and time-limited restructuring of the tenor and loan terms for businesses and households most affected by the outbreak of COVID-19 particularly oil and gas, agriculture, and manufacturing. In addition, the central bank has been working closely with the banks to ensure that the use of the current forbearance was targeted, transparent and temporary.

Also, as part of their response to the economic damaged caused by the pandemic, the federal government had set up a seven-man Economic Sustainability Committee headed by Vice President Yemi Osinbajo, to devise ways to protect jobs and also create new ones after the pandemic. The federal government also issued a set of palliatives to help medium, small and micro enterprises (MSMEs) wade through the current economic fallouts of the COVID-19 pandemic.

According to Osinbajo, the palliatives reflected the Buhari administration’s determination to support MSMEs and the priority the federal government placed on small businesses. He listed the measures to include e-Registration of MSMEs/products at 80 per cent discounted rate over a period of six months; Zero tariffs for the first 200 micro and small businesses to register on the e-platform and waiver on administrative charges for overdue late renewal of expired licenses of micro/small businesses products for a period of 90 days.

According to the VP, as businesses across the

Zainab Ahmed world confront the disruptions caused by the coronavirus pandemic, the federal government would continue to adopt and implement practical measures to ensure that the projected growth in the MSMEs sector was not seriously affected by the development.

Emefiele, in a recent 27-page speech had described the disruptions caused by the pandemic as an opportunity to re-echo “a persistent message the CBN has been sending for a long time.�

Healing the Economy To the immediate past President, Chartered Institute of Bankers’ of Nigeria, Dr. Uche Olowu, diversifying the economy away from crude oil earnings would help boost investor confidence and rebuild the economy.

He said opportunities in the agricultural sector should be explored to improve the country’s capacity to export agric products. Olowu, said the country has so much to gain by investing in agriculture, which will boost foreign reserves.

Olowu added that access to credit is also a key factor that will lead to economic growth and development.

To an economist and lead consultant to ECOWAS, Prof. Ken Ife, the reason why the CBN has over the years been emphasising that we ‘produce what you eat and eat what you produce,’ was actually from a perspective of demand management. However, he stated that presently, the economy is facing a supply shock from China that transmitted to the United States, Europe and Africa. This, he said, meant that many of manufacturers in the country couldn’t get their raw materials, which also meant that many of the retailers couldn’t get their products to sell. So, that translated to demand shock and unemployment. “Can you imagine that if we didn’t take the action we took on rice and we were having to import those huge volume of rice, how would Nigeria have faced the prospect that they are going to refuse to be selling rice to Nigeria?� he wondered.

In assessing the N50 billion fund that was introduced by the CBN to cushion the effects of the pandemic on households and firm, the economist, said what was important about the intervention was how important it was to what he described as the order of battle. “The order of battle was the supply shock, restriction of supply and the impact on demand, unemployment and the impact on aggregate demand. Now, when there is a lockdown, the impact is more unemployment, a contraction in demand and what you don’t want to happen is to have a collapse in aggregate demand. “So, the first thing you do, which the central bank did was to provide liquidity to the banks

EmeďŹ ele so to ensure that you don’t convert health crisis into a financial crisis. The second thing that are also doing is to reach households. If you disaggregate the GDP, in terms of consumption, 85 per cent of its composition is household consumption. So, if you restrict consumption, you are going to have collapse of aggregate demand, which might not only lead to recession, but also depression. Then, the MSMEs account for 48 per cent of our GDP and employ 92 per cent of Nigerians,â€? he added.

On his part, the Chief Executive Officer, BIC Consultancy Services, Dr. Boniface Chizea, said the pandemic has made the world, “shed all pretenses to globalisation, as all countries of the world, without exception, have their sights and attention focused inwards with all manner of restrictions on exports of various goods and services to logically cater for crises on the home front.�

In his contribution, the Managing Director of the Financial Derivatives Company Limited and a member of President Muhammadu Buhari’s Economic Advisory Council, Mr. Bismarck Rewane, said the present challenge provides an opportunity to reset the economy so as to unlock its potential Gross Domestic Product (GDP), which he put at $1.5 trillion.

He pointed out that the impact of the economic contraction would be severe on the country because of lack of buffers.

The economist stressed that the slump in crude oil prices presently hurting Nigeria was not necessarily because of the country’s dependency on oil revenue, but because it lacks buffers and that it policy makers did not anticipate the impact of exogenous shocks on the country. “Now, this is an opportunity, and I think the federal government is fully aware of this, this is the time to press the reset button. What do I mean by that? “I mean it is time to alter the levers of control of this economy to ensure that we use this opportunity to deal with the rent-seeking, crony capitalism structure that exists and allow for an economy that would respond to market forces and therefore unlock the investment potential and entrepreneur instinct in Nigeria, so as to unleash rapid growth and bring this economy to its full potential which is over $1.5 trillion.

Right now, our GDP is about $400 billion,� he explained.

According to Rewane, the COVID-19 pandemic brought about a demand and supply shock simultaneously. “There was supply shock because China was shut down and there was a demand shock because people were confined to their homes,� he explained.

On his part, the Director-General, West African

Institute of Financial and Economic Management (WAIFEM), Dr. Baba Musa, said the biggest opportunity for both policymakers in the country and operators of business is to look inwards.

According to Musa, over the years, the mantra has been to diversify the economy, but despite that, there has been heavy reliance on oil as a major source of revenue. “But if you look at most of the developed economies, most of them are driven by the taxes they collect. So, in our tax system, there is still a lot of room for improvement. Nigeria’s tax to Gross Domestic Product (GDP) is far below Africa and even West African average. “So, what is required is that now all those loopholes in terms of revenue collection, we need to block them.�

He said the pandemic has also brought to the fore the need to increase investment in the health sector. “What the government requires immediately is how to pool revenue to finance its expenditure in 2020 and 2021. So, the immediate priority now is for us to look inwards. Already, the government has an agriculture agenda and there is also the Anchor Borrowers’ Programme; we need to ramp them up in such a way that the country becomes a net exporter. “Then, after that, in the medium term, the Dangote Refineries, the modular refineries would also be encouraged to come on stream, because this is the right time for them to be operational.

But what is important is that we need to look inwards,� he added.

The Founder, Foundation for Economic Research, Prof. Akpan Ekpo, advised that going forward, the federal government should always prepare what he termed a non-oil budget, in order to be able to avoid external shocks. “What I have been saying for years is that anytime we have high crude oil price, we should always see it as a windfall, save a lot of the revenue and target it for spending on infrastructure. I worked with Anthony Ani when he was Minister of Finance and we planned to do a non-oil budget. “If you look at the Nigerian economy, oil contributes only 10 per cent to Gross Domestic Product (GDP), while the non-oil sector contributes 90 per cent. So, we can actually do a non-oil budget. If we had been doing it for years, we would have gotten used to it, so that if the oil price does well, it becomes like a windfall. Let us demystify the oil sector because oil may finish one day,� he said.

Therefore, the consensus is that the pandemic provides an opportunity for policymakers in the country to work towards healing the traumatised economy.

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Ashade: More Investor Education Needed to Deepen Capital Market The Chief Executive Officer, United Capital Plc, Mr. Peter Ashade, in this interview speaks on sundry capital market issues and the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on Nigeria’s capital market. Goddy Egene brings the excerpts: At the beginning of 2020, optimism was high among stakeholders about the market.

But with the current macroeconomic headwinds, what is your projection for the market?

Clearly, at the beginning of 2020 no one was expecting a global shock of the magnitude of the novel COVID-19 pandemic which has sent most forecasts made earlier in the year, down the drain. Specifically, the twin economic shocks of the COVID-19 pandemic and a collapsing crude oil market have further weakened the case for investing in Nigeria, especially for the foreign investors. In terms of market projections, there is still a lot of unknowns about the novel virus and this can only reduce any numeric projections being made now to a mere guess. Notably, from where we stand today, I believe the equity market will end the year in the red territory, especially if the country suffers a recession. However, we expect equity market activities to pick up towards the latter part of the year as economic activities gradually recover in second half (H2) of 2020. Also, we might not see a lot of primary market activities on the stock exchange in 2020 as share prices are expected to be grossly undervalued. Thus, the bulk of the market activities we are likely to see in 2020 will be tilted towards the fixed income market, as I expect corporates to take advantage of the relatively low interest rate environment to meet their liquidity needs.

Despite the bearish trend that characterised the capital market in the ďŹ rst quarter(Q1), the equity turnover was still higher than the value of transactions in Q1 of 2019. What do you think was responsible for this?

First, the value of transaction reflects activity (buying or selling) that have taken place on the exchange. Thus, in Q1-2020, the equity market turnover increased because there was increased activity at the exchange, as investors exited their positions in the market amid the twin economic shocks.

Specifically, recall that the first month of the year, January, 2020 was a very bullish month and the Nigerian Stock Exchange (NSE) was one of the best performing in the world at that point, printing a month-onmonth gain of 7.5 per cent during the period.

Meanwhile, the outbreak of COVID-19 and the crude oil market crash marked a turn of events as foreign investors pulled out funds from Nigeria and other emerging market as well as frontier economies. Overall, Q1-2020 was characterised by increased activities as investors piled in Jan-2020 and exited in their droves in Feb-2020 and Mar-2020.

Given the impact of COVID-19 in global economy, most countries would be looking inwards for funds to ďŹ nance economic recovery, does the Nigerian market has such capacity for our economy to recover?

While the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN)’s marginalisation of local players from participating in the open market operations (OMO) market has continued to create excess naira inflows in the financial system, I do not believe these funds are enough to plug the country’s overall fiscal deficit which has widened as a result of the twin shock. Thus, like many developing and frontier economies, Nigeria cannot rely solely on local economy to meet its financing needs. It is important that we tap both local and foreign funds to finance our economic recovery. Also, I agree with the federal government on our current strategy of tapping concessional external loans (from the likes of International Monetary Fund IMF, World Bank, AfDB, China Exim Banks), rather the more expensive private loans (Eurobonds). This is as multilateral and

become the fourth largest in the market.

Both the United Capital Eurobond Fund and United Capital Money Market Fund have consistently provided the highest returns in the last three years as reported on the SEC website.

The Securities and Exchange Commission in February disclosed plans for capital market operators to be recapitalised.

How would you react to this?

I think the recapitalisation of capital market operators is a good idea because there is a need to ensure that financial services company have a strong capital base as they are handling investors’ money and lifesavings. When capital market operators have a weak capital base, the impact of the resulting mishap will be felt across the industry. Recall how the banking sector recapitalisation that occurred a few years ago has generally improved the efficiency of banks in Nigeria. That is exactly how to think about this.

Ashade bilateral lenders are known to be willing to forgive or restructure when the economy runs into problem. The $3.4 billion we recently got from IMF will further help to support our economic recovery even as we await the other decisions from World Bank and African Development Bank.

Domestic investors’ participation in the capital market has been very low and it has been said to be one of the factors responsible for volatility in the market.

How do you think this can be deepened to ensure some level of stability?

When you say domestic investors participation in the capital market have been very low, I want to believe you are referring to the equities market as activities in the fixed income market (excluding the OMO market) are largely dominated by the domestic investors.

In my opinion, for Nigeria to see sustained increase in local participation at the stock market (a market that reflects the broader macroeconomy), doing business within the country must be perceived as friendly and policies to grow disposable income (lift people out of poverty and improve Gross National Income) must be put in place. More so, there is a need to increase the penetration of financial

Despite high incidence of poverty rate in Nigeria, individuals that can afford to save and invest are often not aware of the available investment opportunities, or do not trust the system

literacy and instill investor’s confidence in the financial markets.

One of the best ways to encourage retail investors to participate in the market is through collective investment schemes, also known as mutual funds. Why do investors feel reluctant to embrace CIS and how can this be improved upon?

It is interesting to note that the attitude of Nigerians towards investing in collective investment scheme has greatly improved in the past few years. This is seen in the growth of the Net Asset Value of Mutual funds, which has grown by a whopping 330 per cent to about N1.2 trillion between 2016 and now. Clearly, there is still room for improvement and growth, as total investment remains below 1.0 per cent of the country’s nominal gross domestic product (GDP). The major factors underlying modest interest in investing in mutual funds remains the low level of investor education, the question of trust and the money quick mentality that dominates the mindset of the uninformed investors. Despite high incidence of poverty rate in Nigeria, individuals that can afford to save and invest are often not aware of the available investment opportunities, or do not trust the system, especially as they might have fallen prey to fraudulent money doubling schemes. The best way to improve this is to promote financial literacy and educate the populace on the advantage of investing and the way they can reap the benefits through investing in mutual funds.

Additionally, to solve the problem of lack of trust, the investment management firms must be very open with their operations and inform investors that they are regulated by Securities and Exchange Commission.

United Capital Plc has oated some mutual funds in the market in the past, how are they faring?

Our funds have grown significantly to

As an investment banking group, United Capital Plc plays majorly in the capital market and in spite of the bearish trend in the market, the group reported improved results in the Q1 of 2020, how can you explain this?

United Capital is a diversified group serving various client segments with bespoke solutions that address respective financial and investment needs. In preparation for the 2020 financial year, we had begun prospecting key market segments that will present the greatest opportunities across all our businesses and devised action plans for exploiting those opportunities especially in terms of growth strategies within the domestic market. We also restructured our business to be more responsive to our clients. The improved Q12020 result was as a result of earnings growth across all our business lines and validates the effectiveness of the planning process and strengthened execution capabilities across Group. The operating environment in Q1 was quite challenging as highlighted but we were focused on creating value for all our clients. Our focus is always on the customer.

Considering the COVID-19 pandemic and its impact on businesses, how do you hope to sustain the Q1 performance going forward?

The COVID-19 pandemic has dealt a devastating blow to businesses and economies globally including our domestic operating environment. As a responsible organisation, our primary focus is on the safety of our staff while helping our clients to navigate these challenging times towards meeting their respective goals amid lockdown pronouncements by the government. We commenced virtual operations without significant impact on our service delivery to clients. Our digital platforms (InvestNow – mobile and web) continue to serve our clients globally from the comfort of their homes. In addition, we increased client engagements across digital platforms such as streaming investment clinics and other advisory services. All internal and external workplace interactions have been seamless in a virtual environment due to our improved technology capabilities. Yet we recognise that the COVID-19 public health crisis has significantly disrupted activities across the country – creating new challenges and opportunities for us and our clients.

We will be developing new competencies including propositions to exploit emerging opportunities identified while also creating buffers such as income earnings on long term investments. We are unwavering in our commitment to stakeholders and expect to remain profitable and competitive in the near term.

MONDAY MAY 18, 2020 • T H I S D AY

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President Muhammadu Buhari Conferas and National Security Adviser, Maj Gen Babagana Monguno during the Security meeting held at the Council Chambers State House Abuja...recently PHOTO: STATE HOUSE

Chief of Air Sta Air Marshal Sadique Abubakar(right) and Chief of Naval Sta, Vice Admiral lbok Ekwe lbas during the Security meeting held at the Council Chambers State House Abuja...recently PHOTO: STATE HOUSE

L-R: Minister of Transportation, Mr. Chibuike Amaechi; Minister of Information and Culture, Alhaji Lai Mohammed; and Chief of Sta to the President, Prof. Ibrahim Gambari, after the Federal Executive Council (FEC) meeting at the Presidential Villa in Abuja..recently

R-L: Group Managing Director, MOJEC International Group, Ms Chantelle Abdul presenting a palliative food to Mr Sunday Chukwuma. during the MOJEC Food Bank Drive for people aected by the economic slowdown due to COVID-19 pandemic in Lagos...recently PHOTO: ETOP UKUTT

Oyo state Commissioner for Women Aairs and Social Inclusion, Alhaja Faosat Sanni (Who represented the Wife of Oyo state Governor), presents a COVID-19 palliative package to Iyaloja of Ogunpa, Alhaja Anifat Rasheed (left), iand the Permanent Secretary in the Ministry, Mrs Christianah Abioye looks on in lbadan... recently

L-R: A BeneďŹ ciary, Mr. Dantami Kawura; SA to the minster of Humaniterain, Mr.Hashim Abubakar; and Minister of Humanitarian Aairs and Disaster Management, Sadiya Umar Farouq, during the inauguration of Household and homegrown school feeding progamme in Abuja...recently

L-R: Representative of International Aviation Women’s Association (IAWA) in Nigeria, Dr. Anastasia Gbem and Managing Director, Nigerian Airspace Management Authority (NAMA), Capt. Fola Akinkuotu, during the presentation of face masks and hand sanitizers to the Nigerian Airspace management Agency (NAMA) at Ikeja, Lagos....recently PHOTO: KOLAWOLE ALLI

L-R: Imo State Commissioner for Health, Dr. Damaris Osunkwo; Chairman of EverRight Laboratories, Mr. Everest Okpara and Governor Hope Uzodimma, during the inauguration of the place as a Testing Centre for COVID-19 in Owerri...recently

MONDAY MAY 18, 2020 • T H I S D AY

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T H I S D AY Ëž ÍŻÍśËœ 2020

BUSINESS/MONEYGUIDE

OPL 245: How Italian Prosecutors Hid Vital Information from Judge Davidson Iriekpen Facts have emerged that the lead Italian prosecutor in the criminal case involving Shell and ENI over the OPL 245 affair, Dr. Fabio De Pasquale, concealed a significant material fact from the Milanese court concerning the former Attorney-General of the Federation (AGF) and Minister of Justice, Mr. Mohammed Bello Adoke, THISDAY has learnt.

In the transcripts of the hearing with Criminal Proceeding No. 54772/13 RGNR, the prosecution witness, Ferri Alessandro, had told the court that Adoke owned the property at No. 271, Cadastral Zone A06 Maitama, Abuja, for which he had collected a mortgage of N300 million from Unity Bank in 2011.

However, with Adoke having failed to provide the N200 million equity contribution towards the purchase price for the property valued at N500 million, the mortgage facility had been withdrawn and Carlin International Nigeria Limited, the property developer, had returned the bank’s N300 million before selling the property to the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN).

The property has been owned by the CBN since 2013, when they bought it from Carlin International owned by Alhaji Aliyu Abubakar, who is also on trial in Italy over the OPL 245 transaction.

But the Italian prosecutor told the Milanese court that Adoke still owns the property — thereby suggesting that the N300 million refunded to Adoke’s account in 2013 by the property developer was a bribe from the OPL 245 transaction rather than a refund.

Alessandro in the proceedings held on October 26, 2018, had confirmed to the court that N300 million was transferred from the Unity Bank Plc account of Adoke on February 15, 2012 for the benefit of Carlin International.

This, he said, was in respect of the Abuja property which he also confirmed Carlin International had offered to Adoke with a letter of “offer to sell� dated October 5, 2011. The property, he said, was offered to Adoke for N500 million, out of which the bank credited his account with N300 million for onward payment to Carlin International.

Alessandro also said that judging by the entries and exits from the same account between February 15, 2012 and October

17, 2013, the sum of about N300 million was returned to Adoke’s account through two bureaux de change and several cash deposits in 2013.

He also said Adoke incurred interest charges as his account had gone into the red after the N300 million was transferred to Carlin International in February 2012.

The prosecutor identified the peculiarity of the allegations made against Adoke that “it appears that it is Adoke who gave money to Abubakar in reference to the purchase of No. 271, Cadastral Zone A06 Maitama, Abuja, from Carlin International Nigeria Ltd�, which was agreed by the witness Alessandro in evidence, according to the transcript of court proceedings, the following conversation then ensued between the prosecutor and his witness.

Even though Adoke is not a party to the proceedings in Milan, the prosecutor has an obligation to investigate and present available evidence which may also exonerate the defendant, in this instance, disproves allegation made against a non-party to proceedings which is false, malicious, vexatious, scandalous.

Although Carlin International refunded the bank’s N300 million payment and took back the property to sell to the CBN, the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) has gone ahead to charge Adoke to court for money laundering and criminal breach of trust.

The agency is alleging that the N300 million deposits into Adoke’s account in 2013 were bribes from Abubakar, who is also being accused of funnelling money to key politicians over the OPL 245 transaction of 2011.

Abubakar had, in his statement to the EFCC, maintained that the N300 million he paid into Adoke’s account was a refund of the mortgage advance by the bank and that he returned the money, retrieved the property’s CofO and sold the house to the CBN. It is understood from the account of Ferri’s testimony in evidence, at the ongoing trial in Milan, that the EFCC was an integral part of the investigations relied upon by the Milan prosecutor, and are placed with facts confirming that the CBN as the current owner of the property No. 271, Cadastral Zone A06 Maitama, Abuja, since its purchase in October 2013 from Carlin International, and not Adoke. But curiously, the prosecutor has deliberately

made obscure in evidence, the ownership of No. 271, Cadastral Zone A06 Maitama, Abuja by the CBN since 2013, so as to sustain the malicious allegations made against Adoke in the Milan proceedings.

The former AGF has consistently denied taking any bribe, maintaining that the failed mortgage transaction was being manipulated by the anti-graft agency to persecute him because he allegedly refused to help the Abacha family get a share of the $1.1 billion paid to Malabu Oil & Gas Ltd by Shell and ENI to take 100 per cent ownership of OPL 245.

In his memoirs, “Burden of Service: The Reminiscences of Nigeria’s Former AttorneyGeneral�, Adoke said it was the same N300 million that Unity Bank gave him as mortgage in February 2012 that was refunded in different tranches to his account

by Carlin International after he failed to come up with his equity contribution.

He said he lost money in the mortgage deal because he had to keep paying interests when he could not raise his N200 million contribution after being unable to sell an Abuja property to raise the sum.

In an online interview in 2017, the former AGF had said that “sometime in August 2013 (Aliyu) approached me that due to failure of consideration, he wants to sell the said property to the CBN who has indicated interest to buy. He therefore offered to refund the N300m mortgage loan in return for his Certificate of Occupancy to enable him to sell his property to the CBN. “I told him I have no objection and drew his attention to the fact that he must refund the money directly to the bank as the C of O is in the custody of the bank.

I therefore directed him to the bank to pay the money and retrieve the certificate. “Before then, the acting Managing Director of the bank, Mallam Mohammed Risaludeen, had drawn my attention to the fact that the mortgage loan was getting sticky as I was not amortising as agreed by the terms of the offer letter. Therefore, when I was approached by the developer with an offer to refund the down payment made by the bank to him in exchange for his C of O, I called the acting MD and informed him of the positive development.

Access Bank Rewards Customers Nume Ekeghe Access bank Plc has rewarded 10 customers with N1 million each and 28 female customers with N100,000 each in its DiamondXtra monthly draw held recently in Lagos.

Speaking at the live draw, Executive Director, Retail Banking, Access Bank Plc, Victor Etuokwu said the DiamondXtra initiative is the bank’s little way of creating value and meeting the needs of its customers during these trying times.

He said: “We understand what our customers are going through this period, and the bank is committed to providing them with a world class banking experience via our digital platforms whilst rewarding them for their

patronage and savings culture. “DiamondXtra is the best banking product in the country at the moment and I urge Nigerians to sign up to the most rewarding way to save.�

Commenting further, Group Head, Consumer Products and Propositions, Access Bank, Mrs. Adaeze Umeh said: “We are gearing up for the quarterly draw next month where we’ll rewarding more than 1,000 customers with various cash prizes. “To be a part of the reward scheme, all you need to do is to open a DiamondXtra account by funding the account with N5,000, with an increased chance of winning for every N5,000 saved.

It’s even more exciting that both existing and new customers are eligible to win, simply by opening

& maintaining their DiamondXtra account.�

Racheal Osarentin Esin, Rotimi Fasansi Lawal, Gabriel Tsenda, Baba Kaka Kulluma, Adeola Mutiat Adewusi, and Ngwa Nnamdi Sylvanus, were some of the winners of N1 million cash prize each.

On the other hand, Nafisa Sani Yashe, Ijeoma Stella Ejiofor, Prudencia Okongwu, Chinyere Ibeh, Docas Iliya Haruna, Eunice Ogochukwu Issac, Afoerinwa uzoegbu, were some of the 28 lucky winners of the female draw who won N100,000 each.

DiamondXtra is an interest yielding hybrid account, which allows deposits of both cash and third-party cheques. Hybrid means a combination of both savings and current account

MARKET INDICATORS MONEY AND CREDIT STATISTICS

(MILLION NAIRA)

SEPTEMBER 2019 Money Supply (M3)

35,029,779.72

-- CBN Bills Held by Money Holding Sectors

7,374,356.91

Money Supply (M2)

27,655,422.82

-- Quasi Money

116,533,891.21

-- Narrow Money (M1)

11,121,531.60

---- Currency Outside Banks

1,625,047.69

---- Demand Deposits

9,496,483.91

Net Foreign Assets (NFA)

13,911,335.83

Net Domestic Assets(NDA)

21,118,443.89

-- Net Domestic Credit (NDC)

35,918,179.45

---- Credit to Government (Net)

10,452,199.38

---- Memo: Credit to Govt. (Net) less FMA

11,007,422.79

---- Memo: Fed. and Mirror Accounts (FMA)

25,465,980.07

---- Credit to Private Sector (CPS)

-14,799,735.56

--Other Assets Net

7,000,253.07

Reserve Money (Base Money

2,005,600.83

--Currency in Circulation

4,677,530.81

--Banks Reserves

317,121.43

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Money Market Indicators (in Percentage) Month

March 2018

Inter-Bank Call Rate

15.16

Minimum Rediscount Rate (MRR) Monetary Policy Rate (MPR)

14.00

Treasury Bill Rate

11.84

Savings Deposit Rate

4.07

1 Month Deposit Rate

8.82

3 Months Deposit Rate

9.72

6 Months Deposit Rate

10.93

12 Months Deposit Rate

10.21

Prime Lending rate

17.35

Maximum Lending Rate

31.55

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OPEC DAILY BASKET PRICE AS AT THURSDAY, 14 MAY

The price of OPEC basket of thirteen crudes stood at $24.93 a barrel on Thursday, compared with $23.25 the previous day, according to OPEC Secretariat calculations.

The OPEC Reference Basket of Crudes (ORB) is made up of the following: Saharan Blend (Algeria), Girassol (Angola), Djeno (Congo), ZaďŹ ro (Equatorial Guinea), Rabi Light (Gabon), Iran Heavy (Islamic Republic of Iran), Basra Light (Iraq), Kuwait Export (Kuwait), Es Sider (Libya), Bonny Light (Nigeria), Arab Light (Saudi Arabia), Murban (UAE) and Merey (Venezuela).

SOURCE: OPEC headquarters, Vienna

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T H I S D AY Ëž ÍŻÍśËœ 2020

MARKET NEWS

Total Nigeria Recommends N6.71 Dividend Despite Lower Profitability Goddy Egene Total Nigeria Plc has announced a dividend of N6.71 per share for the year ended December 31, 2019. The dividend recommended was made by the board at its meeting held recently. The directors further directed the external auditors to finalise certain aspects of annual financial accounts(AFS) to enable management release the accounts to the public.

In its unaudited results

released last January, Total Nigeria’s profit fell by 70 per cent due to the company’s reliance on bank borrowings to finance its operations.

Financing costs jumped by 193 per cent from N2.86 billion in 2018 to N6.706 billion in 2019, thereby depressing profit after tax (PAT) to N2.422 billion, down from N7.969 billion in 2018. An analysis of the results showed that Total Nigeria posted a revue of N290.883 billion in 2019, down marginally by 5.6 per cent from

P R I C E S MAIN BOARD

F O R DEALS

N307.987 billion in 2018. Gross profit stood at N33.827 billion, as against N34.785 billion in 2018.

Other income rose on the back of N2.763 billion realised from sale of property, plant and equipment to hit N4.597 billion in 2019 compared with N1.451 billion in 2018. The company ended with an operating profit of N10.358 billion, up from N9.812 billion in 2018.

However, net financing cost jumped from N2.286 billion to N6.706 billion in 2019. Conse-

S E C U R I T I E S MARKET PRICE

QUANTITY TRADED

VALUE TRADED ( N )

quently, profit before tax fell from N12.098 billion to N3.652 billion.

A reduction of 70 per cent in taxation from N4.137 billion in 2018 to N1.231 billion in 2019, made PAT to print at N2.422 billion, down from N7.961 billion in 2018.

Some shareholders of Total Nigeria have been calling for equity injection into the firm so as to reduce its reliance on debt funding.

According to one of the shareholders, the chairman of

T R A D E D MAIN BOARD

A S

Total Nigeria Plc had personally complained about the high cost of doing business due to heavy reliance on debt financing. “The company can even capitalise some its reserves by issuing bonus shares to shareholders.

Total Nigeria Plc has a share capital of N169 million but retained earnings of N30.561 billion.

Why can’t they capitalise part of the retained earnings and give script issues to the shareholders instead of continually borrowing

O F

from the banks and pay heavily for that,� the shareholder said.

The Chairman of Total Nigeria Plc, Mr. Stanislas Mittelman, had last year told shareholders that the company continued to experience sustained pressure on its cash flow due to late payment of subsidies resulting in huge financial expenses.

Mittelman said: “All of these add significant costs to doing business, had negative impact on our sales and affected our profitability.’’

1 5 / 0 5 / 2 0 2 0 DEALS

MARKET PRICE

QUANTITY TRADED

VALUE TRADED ( N)

32

MONDAY MAY 18, 2020 •T H I S D AY

33

MONDAY, MAY 18, 2020 ˾ T H I S D AY

MARKET NEWS

Nigerian Stock Exchange Lists FBNQuest Merchant Bank’s N5bn Bond Goddy Egene The Nigerian Stock Exchange (NSE) last Friday listed FBNQuest Merchant Bank’s N5 billion three-year 10.50 per cent Bond on the exchange. Commenting on the listing, the Chief Executive Officer (CEO), NSE, Mr. Oscar N. Onyema, said: “We

welcome FBNQuest Merchant Bank’s debut listing of its N5 billion Series 1 Bond on the exchange, as we continue to support the bank in meeting its capital raising needs and business objectives. We also commend all the parties to the transaction.

At the NSE, we are committed to giving issuers and investors a platform to access

A Mutual fund (Unit Trust) is an investment vehicle managed by a SEC (Securities and Exchange Commission) registered Fund Manager.

Investors with similar objectives buy units of the Fund so that the Fund Manager can buy securities that willl generate their desired return.

An ETF (Exchange Traded Fund) is a type of fund which owns the assets (shares of stock, bonds, oil futures, gold bars, foreign currency, etc.) and divides ownership of those assets into shares. Investors can buy these ‘shares’ on the

right-sized capital even in the toughest of times as well as providing opportunities for secondary market trading activities across multiple asset classes – equities, bonds, ETFs. Today, FBNQuest Merchant Bank is a beneficiary of this and we are pleased to welcome them.”

Speaking on the transaction, Managing

floor of the Nigerian Stock Exchange.

A REIT (Real Estate Investment Trust) is an investment vehicle that allows both small and large investors to part-own real estate ventures (eg.

Offices, Houses, Hospitals) in proportion to their investments. The assets are divided into shares that are traded on the Nigerian Stock Exchange.

GUIDE TO DATA: Date: All fund prices are quoted in Naira as at 14May-2020, unless otherwise stated.

Director/CEO, FBNQuest Merchant Mr. Kayode Akinkugbe, said: “We are pleased to announce the listing of the FBNQuest Merchant Bank Funding SPV Plc Bond on the NSE. This is the debut bond issued by the organisation, and the success recorded attests to the degree of confidence investors have in

the business. As a full-service investment bank and asset manager, we advised on the bond issuance and structure, and also leveraged our extensive distribution capability to ensure the success of the transaction.”

FBNQuest Merchant Bank will be the second organisation honoured with a

digital closing gong following the maiden edition earlier held in April with Sterling Bank. The NSE digital closing gong ceremony attests to the resilience of the NSE’s technology platforms which have supported dealing members in trading remotely without incident via electronic platforms.

Offer price: The price at which units of a trust or ETF are bought by investors.

Bid Price: The price at which Investors redeem (sell) units of a trust or ETF. Yield/Total Return: Denotes the total return an investor would have earned on his investment. Money Market Funds report Yield while others report Year- to-date Total Return.

NAV: Is value per share of the real estate assets held by a REIT on a specific date.

DAILY PRICE LIST FOR MUTUAL FUNDS, REITS and ETFS MUTUAL FUNDS / UNIT TRUSTS AFRINVEST ASSET MANAGEMENT LTD aaml@afrinvest.com Web: www.afrinvest.com; Tel: +234 818 885 6757 Fund Name Bid Price Offer Price Yield / T-Rtn Afrinvest Equity Fund N/A N/A N/A Afrinvest Plutus Fund N/A N/A N/A Nigeria International Debt Fund N/A N/A N/A ALTERNATIVE CAPITAL PARTNERS LTD info@acapng.com Web: www.acapng.com, Tel: +234 1 291 2406, +234 1 291 2868 Fund Name Bid Price Offer Price Yield / T-Rtn ACAP Canary Growth Fund 0.92 0.93 2.29% ACAP Income Funds 0.78 0.78 9.87% AIICO CAPITAL LTD ammf@aiicocapital.com Web: www.aiicocapital.com, Tel: +234-1-2792974 Fund Name Bid Price Offer Price Yield / T-Rtn AIICO Money Market Fund 100.00 100.00 6.78% AIICO Balanced Fund 2.60 2.65 5.52% info@anchoriaam.com ANCHORIA ASSET MANAGEMENT LIMITED Web:www.anchoriaam.com, Tel: 08166830267; 08036814510; 08028419180 Fund Name Bid Price Offer Price Yield / T-Rtn Anchoria Money Market 100.00 100.00 5.85% Anchoria Equity Fund 93.84 94.15 -8.62% Anchoria Fixed Income Fund 1.19 1.19 4.20% ARM INVESTMENT MANAGERS LTD enquiries@arminvestmentcenter.com Web: www.arm.com.ng; Tel: 0700 CALLARM (0700 225 5276) Fund Name Bid Price Offer Price Yield / T-Rtn ARM Aggressive Growth Fund 13.82 14.24 -9.78% ARM Discovery Fund 327.89 337.78 -5.08% ARM Ethical Fund 29.25 30.13 0.57% ARM Money Market Fund 1.00 1.00 5.57% AXA MANSARD INVESTMENTS LIMITED investmentcare@axamansard.com Web: www.axamansard.com; Tel: +2341-4488482 Fund Name Bid Price Offer Price Yield / T-Rtn AXA Mansard Equity Income Fund 91.82 92.46 -4.43% AXA Mansard Money Market Fund 1.00 1.00 5.21% CAPITAL EXPRESS ASSET AND TRUST LIMITED info@capitalexpressassetandtrust.com Web: www.capitalexpressassetandtrust.com ; Tel: +234 803 307 5048 Fund Name Bid Price Offer Price Yield / T-Rtn CEAT Fixed Income Fund N/A N/A N/A CHAPELHILL DENHAM MANAGEMENT LTD investmentmanagement@chapelhilldenham.com Web: www.chapelhilldenham.com, Tel: +234 461 0691 Fund Name Bid Price Offer Price Yield / T-Rtn Chapelhill Denham Money Market Fund 0.08 0.05 7.69% Paramount Equity Fund 10.42 10.61 -16.75% Women's Investment Fund 105.07 106.07 -4.81% CORDROS ASSET MANAGEMENT LIMITED assetmgtteam@cordros.com Web: www.cordros.com, Tel: 019036947 Fund Name Bid Price Offer Price Yield / T-Rtn Cordros Money Market Fund 100.00 100.00 5.48% Cordros Milestone Fund 2023 96.62 96.83 Cordros Milestone Fund 2028 104.54 104.79 CORONATION ASSEST MANAGEMENT investment@coronationam.com Web:www.coronationam.com , Tel: 012366215 Fund Name Bid Price Offer Price Yield / T-Rtn Coronation Money Market Fund 1.00 1.00 4.38% Coronation Balanced Fund 0.88 0.89 -5.18% Coronation Fixed Income Fund 1.39 1.39 4.55% EDC FUNDS MANAGEMENT LIMITED mutualfundng@ecobank.com Web: www.ecobank.com Tel: 012265281 Fund Name Bid Price Offer Price Yield / T-Rtn EDC Nigeria Money Market Fund Class A N/A N/A N/A EDC Nigeria Money Market Fund Class B N/A N/A N/A EDC Nigeria Fixed Income Fund N/A N/A N/A FBNQUEST ASSET MANAGEMENT LTD invest@fbnquest.com Web: www.fbnquest.com/asset-management; Tel: +234-81 0082 0082 Fund Name Bid Price Offer Price Yield / T-Rtn FBN Fixed Income Fund 1,251.65 1,253.17 3.22% FBN Balanced Fund 141.28 142.29 -3.77% FBN Money Market Fund 100.00 100.00 5.37% FBN Nigeria Eurobond (USD) Fund - Institutional N/A N/A N/A FBN Nigeria Eurobond (USD) Fund - Retail N/A N/A N/A FBN Nigeria Smart Beta Equity Fund 111.49 112.81 -14.32% FCMB ASSET MANAGEMENT LIMITED fcmbamhelpdesk@fcmb.com Web: www.fcmbassetmanagement.com; Tel: +234 1 462 2596 Fund Name Bid Price Offer Price Yield / T-Rtn Legacy Money Market Fund 1.00 1.00 6.33% Legacy Debt Fund 3.75 3.75 2.58% Legacy Equity Fund 1.03 1.05 -8.76% Legacy USD Bond Fund 1.10 1.10 1.74% FSDH ASSET MANAGEMENT LTD coralfunds@fsdhgroup.com Web: www.fsdhaml.com; Tel: 01-270 4884-5; 01-280 9740-1 Fund Name Bid Price Offer Price Yield / T-Rtn Coral Growth Fund 2,895.42 2,926.78 -2.93% Coral Income Fund 3,160.33 3,160.33 15.28% FSDH Treasury Bills Fund 100.00 100.00 5.89% GREENWICH ASSET MANAGEMENT LIMITED assetmanagement@gtlgroup.com Web: www.gtlgroup.com ; Tel: +234 1 4619261-2 Fund Name Bid Price Offer Price Yield / T-Rtn Greenwich Plus Money Market Fund 100.00 100.00 5.45% Nigeria Entertainment Fund 118.75 119.29 10.19%

GROWTH & DEVELOPMENT ASSET MANAGEMENT LIMITED assetmanagement@gdl.com.ng Web: www.gdl.com.ng ; Tel: +234 9055691122 Fund Name Bid Price Offer Price Yield / T-Rtn GDL Money Market Fund N/A N/A N/A INVESTMENT ONE FUNDS MANAGEMENT LTD enquiries@investment-one.com Web: www.investment-one.com; Tel: +234 812 992 1045,+234 1 448 8888 Fund Name Bid Price Offer Price Yield / T-Rtn Abacus Money Market Fund 100.00 100.00 4.39% Vantage Balanced Fund 2.21 2.25 0.76% Vantage Guaranteed Income Fund 1.00 1.00 9.69% Kedari Investment Fund (KIF) 142.48 143.02 -0.65% LOTUS CAPITAL LTD fincon@lotuscapitallimited.com Web: www.lotuscapitallimited.com; Tel: +234 1-291 4626 / +234 1-291 4624 Fund Name Bid Price Offer Price Yield / T-Rtn Lotus Halal Investment Fund 1.19 1.21 1.98% Lotus Halal Fixed Income Fund 1,122.44 1,122.44 4.13% MERISTEM WEALTH MANAGEMENT LTD info@meristemwealth.com Web: http://www.meristemwealth.com/funds/ ; Tel: +234 1-4488260 Fund Name Bid Price Offer Price Yield / T-Rtn Meristem Equity Market Fund N/A N/A N/A Meristem Money Market Fund N/A N/A N/A PAC ASSET MANAGEMENT LTD info@pacassetmanagement.com Web: www.pacassetmanagement.com/mutualfunds; Tel: +234 1 271 8632 Fund Name Bid Price Offer Price Yield / T-Rtn PACAM Balanced Fund 1.36 1.38 11.44% PACAM Fixed Income Fund 11.98 12.03 6.27% PACAM Money Market Fund 10.00 10.00 3.54% PACAM Equity Fund 1.01 1.02 PACAM EuroBond Fund 93.71 95.87 SCM CAPITAL LIMITED info@scmcapitalng.com Web: www.scmcapitalng.com; Tel: +234 1-280 2226,+234 1- 280 2227 Fund Name Bid Price Offer Price Yield / T-Rtn SCM Capital Frontier Fund 117.82 122.53 -9.56% SFS CAPITAL NIGERIA LTD investments@sfsnigeria.com Web: www.sfsnigeria.com, Tel: +234 (01) 2801400 Fund Name Bid Price Offer Price Yield / T-Rtn SFS Fixed Income Fund 1.01 1.01 3.72% STANBIC IBTC ASSET MANAGEMENT LTD assetmanagement@stanbicibtc.com Web: www.stanbicibtcassetmanagement.com; Tel: +234 1 280 1266; 0700 MUTUALFUNDS Fund Name Bid Price Offer Price Yield / T-Rtn Stanbic IBTC Balanced Fund N/A N/A N/A Stanbic IBTC Bond Fund N/A N/A N/A Stanbic IBTC Ethical Fund N/A N/A N/A Stanbic IBTC Guaranteed Investment Fund N/A N/A N/A Stanbic IBTC Iman Fund N/A N/A N/A Stanbic IBTC Money Market Fund N/A N/A N/A Stanbic IBTC Nigerian Equity Fund N/A N/A N/A Stanbic IBTC Dollar Fund (USD) N/A N/A N/A Stanbic IBTC Shariah Fixed Income Fund N/A N/A N/A UNITED CAPITAL ASSET MANAGEMENT LTD Web: www.unitedcapitalplcgroup.com; Tel: +234 803 306 2887 Fund Name Bid Price Offer Price Yield / T-Rtn United Capital Balanced Fund 1.12 1.14 -7.35% United Capital Bond Fund 1.80 1.80 3.76% United Capital Equity Fund 0.62 0.63 -12.45% United Capital Money Market Fund 1.00 1.00 6.92% United Capital Eurobond Fund 114.63 114.63 2.49% United Capital Wealth for Women Fund 1.05 1.05 -3.69% QUANTUM ZENITH ASSET MANAGEMENT & INVESTMENTS LTD service@quantumzenithasset.com.ng Web: www.quantumzenith.com.ng; Tel: +234 1-2784219 Fund Name Bid Price Offer Price Yield / T-Rtn Zenith Equity Fund 10.00 10.13 -2.65% Zenith Ethical Fund 11.62 11.79 0.29% Zenith Income Fund 23.44 23.44 5.41% Zenith Money Market Fund 1.00 1.00 3.80%

REITS NAV Per Share

Yield / T-Rtn

3.40 114.44 52.79

-64.85% 2.22% 1.42%

Bid Price

Offer Price

Yield / T-Rtn

8.18 82.90 65.01

8.28 84.62 66.19

-5.96% -10.38% -11.84%

Fund Name FSDH UPDC Real Estate Investment Fund SFS Skye Shelter Fund Union Homes REIT

EXCHANGE TRADED FUNDS Fund Name Lotus Halal Equity Exchange Traded Fund SIAML Pension ETF 40 Stanbic IBTC ETF 30 Fund

VETIVA FUND MANAGERS LTD Web: www.vetiva.com; Tel: +234 1 453 0697 Fund Name Vetiva Banking Exchange Traded Fund Vetiva Consumer Goods Exchange Traded Fund Vetiva Griffin 30 Exchange Traded Fund Vetiva Industrial Goods Exchange Traded Fund Vetiva S&P Nigeria Sovereign Bond Exchange Traded Fund

funds@vetiva.com Bid Price

Offer Price

Yield / T-Rtn

2.77 4.07 10.98 10.08 177.49

2.81 4.15 11.08 10.28 179.49

-21.72% -30.86% -9.22% -2.92% -5.44%

NAV Per Share

Yield / T-Rtn

108.29

16.90%

INFRASTRUCTURE FUND Fund Name Chapel Hill Denham Nigeria Infrastructure Debt Fund

The value of investments and the income from them may fall as well as rise. Past performance is a guide and not an indication of future returns. Fund prices published in this edition are also available on each fund manager’s website and FMAN’s website at www.fman.com.ng. Fund prices are supplied by the operator of the relevant fund and are published for information purposes only.

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NEWS

Wike Mourns His Special Assistant on Media, Nwakaudu PDP condoles with Rivers gov

Ernest Chinwo in Port Harcourt and Chuks Okocha in Abuja Rivers State Government has announced the death of the Special Assistant to Governor Nyesom Wike on Electronic Media, Mr. Simeon Nwakaudu, yesterday.

The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) has also condoled with Wike over the loss The governor also expressed

shock at the sudden death of Nwakaudu.

In a statement issued yesterday by the state Commissioner for Information and Communications, Mr. Paulinus Nsirim, the state government described the late Nwakaudu as a loyal and dedicated professional who contributed immensely to the implementation of The NEW Rivers Vision.

The governor on behalf of his family, the government and good people of the state condoled with the bereaved family.

He prayed God to grant them the fortitude to bear the great loss.

Nsirim said the late Nwakaudu died at the Rivers State University Teaching Hospital (RSUTH) after a brief illness.

Meanwhile, the PDP has also

expressed shock at the news of the sudden death and condoled with Wike over the loss According to a statement by the National Publicity Secretary of the party, Mr. Kola Ologbondiyan, the party said, “Our hearts bleed as our nation, the media industry and indeed Rivers state, have lost one of our brightest and patriotic media professionals;

a loyal compatriot, who gave his all in serving our dear nation.

“Nwakaudu was a courageous and hardworking Nigerian, who dedicated his youthful life in serving our nation as an accomplished journalist, Special Assistant to Governor Wike during his tenure as Minister of Education and then as his Special Assistant

on Electronic Media, where he contributed immensely in the implementation of Governor Wike’s vision for a new Rivers State”, PDP said.

It further said that Nwakaudu’s death is a painful loss not only to Wike and the government of Rivers state but also to the party, the PDP, the media industry and Nigeria, at large.

Appointment of LG Caretaker Chairmen Illegal, Says Bauchi Gov Segun Awofadeji in Bauchi Governor of Bauchi State, Senator Bala Mohammed, has declared that the appointment of local government caretaker chairmen is unconstitutional and undemocratic.

Mohammed, however, admitted that he had to appoint local government caretakers in order to fill the existing vacancies in the affected LGs. Speaking yesterday while swearing in four council caretaker chairmen to replace three that were removed and one who was appointed into another office, the governor assured the residents that the LG elections, which were to hold on Saturday, June 20, but were suspended, would be held after the current pandemic was over.

“I did not want to come out for this swearing-in because I knew I had promised Nigerians that we were going to hold local government

elections very soon. But this situation is a doctrine of necessity that we had to swear in and get extension of the tenure of local government caretaker chairmen from the state Assembly in view of the COVID-19 pandemic which has precluded us from abiding by the time-table set out by the State Independent Electoral Commission.

“I want to reiterate that we will hold council elections as soon as it is feasible. We have completed all arrangements to do that.

“That is the only way we can show and deepen democracy in Nigeria and we know that this caretaker system is not democratic, it is unconstitutional but we have to fill in the vacuum.”

The governor stated that recent sacking of three local government caretaker chairmen was because they were involved in illegal tree felling and conniving with some unscrupulous citizens to dispose government property.

US-based Foundation Distributes Rice to 4,000 Households in Kogi Community A United States-based foundation, Global Health and Indigent Care Foundation has distributed rice to about 4,000 households in Ayetoro-Gbede and Igbaruku-Okeri communities in Kogi State.

The foundation, owned by a Nigerian-born family, Dr. Sam and Mrs. Lola Oloyo executed the food outreach programme as a response to the economic dislocation prompted by the spread of COVID-19 pandemic in Nigeria.

Oloyo who has at various times intervened in education and health sectors in Ayetoro-Gbede and adjoining communities, commended the traditional institution, the Ayetoro Gbede Global Network, and its President, Mr. Ola Oyelola, as well as another United States- based

compatriot, Mr. Olaolu Eniolorunda, for their various roles in ensuring the success of the programme.

In his address, Oloyo, explained that the foundation recognises the significant hardship and humanitarian crisis that people are having to contend with during this moment of ravaging pandemic.

He hoped that the gesture would help to alleviate the pain and hardship.

In his speech, the Olu of Ayetoro Gbede, Oba David Sunday Ehindero, who described the gesture as a ‘gigantic gift’ to the community, recalled the various health outreaches that Oloyo and his foundation had conducted in Ayetoro Gbede and environs.

Akwa Ibom Rejects UsedVehicles Donated By ExxonMobil Akwa Ibom State Commissioner for Information, Mr. Charles Udoh, has disclosed that the state government has rejected the 10 ‘very old, and used’ vehicles donated by ExxonMobil for use in the COVID-19 contact tracing in the state.

The commissioner said in a statement yesterday that the decision was taken at the state COVID-19 committee meeting following an evaluation of the vehicles and other donations to the state by the oil company.

Udoh said the vehicles are considered too old and not in good operational conditions to withstand the rigours of contact

tracing which they were meant to serve.

He, however, disclosed that the state government has accepted the two ambulances and 20 hospital beds also donated by the oil company, “despite the fact that the ambulances are converted buses while the beds are below the standard of those currently in secondary healthcare facilities in the state.

“The state government appreciates the continued support of corporate bodies and private individuals who have so far made cash and other materials donations towards the fight against COVID-19 in the state.”

HUMANITARIAN GESTURE...

Olu of Ayetoro-Gbede, Oba David Sunday Ehindero, unveiling the rice provided for all households in Ayetoro-Gbede by the United Statesbased Global Health and Indigent Care Foundation Inc. in Kogi State...weekend

Police Arrest Two Dismissed Soldiers for Killing Sergeant in Lagos Chiemelie Ezeobi The Lagos State Police Command has arrested two dismissed soldiers - Kehinde Elijah and Eze Joseph for causing the death of Sergeant Onalaja Onajide, a station guard at Ilemba Hausa Police Division, Ajamgbadi.

Onajide was gunned down around 9.30pm on Sunday, May 10, in front of the division in the presence of the Divisional Police

Officer and the station officer.

Following an investigation into the death, the duo were arrested on Saturday evening and Sunday morning by a team led by the Divisional Police Officer (DPO), Yahaya Adesina, a Chief Superintendent (CSP).

Elijah, who admitted to have been dismissed for deserting the battle against insurgents in the North-east, was a frequent caller to the police station pretending

to be a serving soldier.

The suspect, a resident of 16, Ibiyeye Street, Whitehouse Bus Stop, Okokomaiko, police sources said, fell into the radar because his motorcycle was impounded that day and later in the night, a Lexus Sports Utility Vehicle (SUV) carrying men dressed in military uniforms was spotted around the division shortly before the firing occurred.

Although he had visited the division several times in full military attire, he was eventually arrested Saturday evening when he was taken before the DPO who figured he was an impersonator.

He was said to have confessed during interrogation that he deserted the army with his firearm and other military accoutrements, including three military uniforms.

Yoruba Resolve to Focus on Unity for Prosperity Akintoye calls for Yoruba renaissance Groups and people of Yoruba origin across the world have resolved to forge an active global alliance in pursuit of the defence and promotion of Yoruba culture and people all over the world as this is the best way to attain safety and prosperity of the Yoruba.

The resolve was made at the weekend at an online event hosted by the Yoruba World Congress

(YWC). The event saw the largest ever gathering of Yoruba groups and leaders featuring over 1,800 delegates from 27 countries from five continents.

Speaking at the event, Yoruba Leader Emeritus, Prof Banji Akintoye, urged Yoruba people all over the world to wake up to and work for Yoruba renaissance in arts, business, science and

technology and to start being their brothers’ keepers all over the world.

The Yoruba leader emphasised the need to revive the language and announced that various initiatives were in the making for the revival of the Yoruba language.

Also speaking at the event, veteran columnist and member of

the YWC Leaders Council, Chief Tola Adeniyi, urged all Yoruba to focus on their capabilities and to build themselves.

Adeniyi noted that more than ever, Yoruba people need to rediscover their spirit of enterprise and self-reliance as Nigeria and its government does not seem capable of solving modern problems any more.

Minister Harps on Importance of Science, Technology to Nigeria’s Devt Peter Uzoho The Minister of Science and Technology, Dr. Ogbonnaya Onu, has stressed the need for Nigeria to look towards science and technology to develop the country, stating that any country that seeks development must pay adequate attention to the twin catalysts of national development.

According to a statement, Onu stated this while delivering a lecture at the National Institute for Policy and Strategic Studies, (NIPSS), Kuru, Jos, Plateau State.

The minister, who addressed participants of Senior Executive Course No. 42, spoke on the issues bothering on the challenges of the COVID-19 pandemic and how Nigeria can make an opportunity

out of it by encouraging research and development.

He highlighted the achievements of the ministry under the President Muhammadu Buhari administration and the synergy between the ministry of science and technology and NIPSS as the think-tank for policy in Nigeria as well as the ubiquity of science and technological innovation as

the driver of development.

He disclosed that his ministry pledged a financial reward of N36 million to Nigerians who can find the cure for the pandemic.

This, according to him, has spurred many researchers leading to several research proposals from individuals and institutions claiming the discovery of natural remedies to cure the COVID-19.

Oshiomhole, Ize-Iyamu Invaluable to APC, Edo Party Faction Tells Buhari Adedayo Akinwale in Abuja A faction of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Edo State has said the National Chairman of the party, Adams Oshiomhole, and a chieftain of the party, Pastor Osagie Ize-Iyamu, are invaluable in the achievements of the APC in

the state and in the South-south region.

A faction of the party loyal to the state Governor, Godwin Obaseki, had in a letter to President Muhammadu Buhari called on the leaders of the party to rein in on Oshiomhole from destabilising the party and prevent a repeat of the

Bayelsa State catastrophe of losing the state to the opposition due to the draconian style of Oshiomhole leadership.

The party leaders under the aegis of Concerned Edo State APC Stakeholders noted that Oshiomhole’s unholy romance with a group called Edo

Peoples Movement (EPM) and preference for Ize-Iyamu as the EPM standard bearer in the state 2020 gubernatorial election was not only a mockery to the progressive ideology and guiding principle of the APC as a party but a travesty on President Buhari’s fight against corruption in Nigeria.

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NEWSXTRA

Political Office Holders to Receive Half Salary in Kano Ibrahim Shuaibu in Kano Due to shortfall in the Federation Account and

collapse of the internally generated revenue (IGR) as a result of COVID-19 challenges, all political office holders in

Kano State are to receive half salary with immediate effect from this month, May. Announcing this yesterday,

Acute Malnutrition Looms in Katsina Francis Sardauna in Katsina At least 2,000 children in Katsina State are at the risk of being hit with Severe Acute Malnutrition (SAM) as the state runs out of stock of Ready to Use Therapeutic Food (RUTF) supplement used for the treatment of acute malnutrition in children, THISDAY investigation has revealed.

Findings at the 15 Communitybased Management of Acute Malnutrition (CMAM) centres in Mani, Daura, Kaita, Dutse, Jibia, Danmusa, Batsari, Ingawa, Sandamu, Baure, Mashi, Zango, Bakori, Mai’adua and Bindawa

Local Government Areas yesterday revealed that the centres have no RUTF supplement.

THISDAY reliably gathered that no fewer than 200 new cases of malnourished children were being registered monthly at each of the 15 CMAM centres in the state.

Further investigations also showed that the centres had run out of stock since February this year and the last supply to the centres was received in December 2019, causing break in the treatment of SAM in under-five years children in the state.

Hundreds of women, who have been visiting the CMAM sites with

their malnourished children to collect the food supplement, were said to had stopped going to the centres due to the non-availability of the commodity.

When contacted, the state Nutrition Officer, Abdulhadi Abdulkadir, confirmed that all the CMAM centres in the state have run out of stock of the RUTF supplement.

He explained that the state government had in December 2019 received 8,000 cartons of Ready-to-Use Therapeutic Food and distributed across the 15 CMAM centres, saying it has since been exhausted.

Masari Relaxes Lockdown for Seven Days Francis Sardauna The Katsina State Governor, Mr. Aminu Bello Masari, yesterday ordered the relaxation of the lockdown imposed on the state in order to enable Muslims to celebrate Eid-el-Fitr.

A statement issued by the Secretary to State Government (SSG), Dr. Mustapha Inuwa, explained that the state governor took the decision to relax the

lockdown for seven days after meeting with religious leaders and other critical stakeholders.

Inuwa said the nullification of the stay-at-home order would be effective between Monday, May 18 and Sunday, May 24, 2020.

However, the state governor has warned that the ban on inter-local government’s movement still remained in force and directed the Katsina and Daura Emirate Councils to ensure that district

and village heads observe the forthcoming Eid-el-Fitr prayer within their chiefdoms.

He lamented that two-thirds of the COVID-19 cases in the state were recorded in Katsina Local Government and urged residents to always adhere to the Nigerian Centre for Disease Control (NCDC) protocols such as wearing of masks, regular hand washing, use of sanitisers and social distancing.

Governor Abdullahi Umar Ganduje lamented that “due to shortfall of the price of oil in the global market, which affects world economy and eventually causes serious shortfall in the federation account for states, the state slashes the salary of all political office holders by 50 per cent.”

“There is also a serious

setback in the IGR, due to COVID-19 pandemic challenges. Whereas almost all companies in the state are no longer in operation due to lockdown.

“So, also other areas where the state gets revenue, are no longer operational. This also is another reason for giving political office holders half salary.”

The affected officials include: the governor and his deputy, all Commissioners, Special Advisers, Senior Special Assistants, and Special Assistants, among others.

At the local government level those affected are chairmen, deputy chairmen, elected councillors, supervisory councillors, advisers and secretaries of local governments.

FG, States Urged to Improve on Poor Testing Capacity The federal and state governments must increase their testing capacity in order to have a full status of the country’s COVID-19 pandemic, the coalition of labour and civil society groups working on the impact of COVID-19 across Nigeria, said yesterday.

The group, Alliance for Surviving COVID-19 and Beyond (ASCAB) led by prominent lawyer and human rights activists, Mr. Femi Falana, said without mass and effective testing of Nigerians, the daily figures released by the National Centre for Disease Control (NCDC) would fall short of representing the actual extent of the outbreak.

Nigeria currently has testing capacity for 1,500 people, which is one of the lowest per average in the world.

“Nigeria is far from knowing its

real coronavirus pandemic status.

The total number of Nigerians confirmed positive as at last week was about 4,300. This does not appear to reflect the reality given the poor public access to testing.

It is unfortunate that Nigerian testing capacity is lower than what is obtainable in Egypt, Ghana and South Africa,” ASCAB said in a statement signed by the group Secretary for Publicity, Mr. Adewale Adeoye.

The group said the various authorities have effectively enforced the lockdown while in many cases government officials are breaking the no-travel and social distancing rules.

According to Adeoye, “We cannot claim to know the average number of people that have contracted coronavirus in Nigeria. The testing capacity for

200 million people is very poor.

Brazil tests about 8,000 people in just one day. It means in 10 days, Brazil tests 80,000 people, almost three times the number of tests carried out in 60 days.

“This continues to raise fundamental issues about how long Nigerians will live with the virus.”

ASCAB lamented that with the attitude of federal and state governments to the COVID-19 pandemic, the second and third waves of infections in Nigeria are almost certain unless drastic steps are taken to improve the current lowly reputation of the country.

It, however, commended health officials across the country for their bravery and rare sacrifices at a difficult moment in Nigeria’s history.

MONDAY MAY 18, 2020 • T H I S D AY

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24 HOURS...

24 HOURS...

NHRC Investigates Alleged Killing of UNIJOS Student Plateau police parade suspected killer of lecturer Alex Enumah in Abuja and Seriki Adinoyi in Jos The National Human Rights Commission ( NHRC) has commenced investigation into the alleged murder of a University of Jos undergraduate, Mr. Bala Rinji by security operatives so as to bring the perpetrators to justice.

The young Rinji was allegedly killed by some security personnel last week along Zaria Road, Jos, Plateau State.

This is coming as the Plateau State Police Command yesterday paraded a suspected kidnapper, who participated in the killing of a Unijos Lecturer Executive Secretary of the Commission, Mr. Tony Ojukwu while condemning the killing of Rinji in a statement said that the apex human rights body has launched a full scale investigation into the unfortunate death of the student sequel to the preliminary findings received by

the commission in its headquarters in Abuja.

The statement signed by the NHRC’s Director, Corporate Affairs and External Linkages, Mr. Lambert Oparah, described the

killing of Rinji as inhuman and a gross violation of his right to life as enshrined in the Constitution of Nigeria and other international human rights instruments to which Nigeria is a party.

As a result, the commission has directed its office in Jos to investigate the circumstances surrounding the killing of the young man with a view to bringing the perpetrators to book.

Meanwhile, the Plateau State Police Command yesterday paraded a suspected kidnapper, who participated in the killing of a lecturer of the University of Jos.

Ondo 2020: I have No Pact with Akeredolu, Says Oke James Sowole in Akure A reportedly adopted consensus aspirant of the Unity Forum, a factional group of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Ondo State, Chief Olusola Oke, yesterday denied having any alliance with the incumbent state Governor, Mr. Oluwaroyimi Akeredolu.

Not satisfied with the report of the seven-man selection committee, the Senator representing Ondo North in the National Assembly, Ajayi Boroffice, alleged that Oke cannot be trusted with the mandate of the forum.

Specifically, Boroffice alleged that Akeredolu had promised to hand over to Oke after his second term in office.

The senator alleged that Oke would step down for

Akeredolu when it is a week to the primary election.

However, Oke in a statement signed by the spokesperson of Oke Campaign Organisation, Mr. Rotimi Ogunleye, has denied having any pact with Akeredolu on the forthcoming primary.

Ogunleye said there was no iota of truth in the allegation

by Boroffice.

“The Olusola Oke Campaign Organisation takes exemption to the statement made by the distinguished senator.

“There is no iota of truth in the statement. It is meant to denigrate the person of Chief Olusola Oke. The senator and indeed everybody know that only God has the power of the promise of the future. It lies not in the hands of man.

TAKE HEART...

Widow of Hon. Kehinde Ayoola, the late Oyo State Commissioner for Environment and Water Resources, Prof. Olukemi Ayoola (left), and Oyo State Governor, Mr. Seyi Makinde, during a condolence visit by the governor at Ayoola’s resident, Apata, Ibadan...weekend

Kano to Deport another Batch of 2,000 Almajirai Kano State Government is set to deport no fewer than 2,000 Almajirai pupils who underwent isolation in three quarantine centres in the state The Kano State Commissioner for Education and Chairman Almajiri Repatriation Committee, Alhaji Sanusi Kiru, disclosed this yesterday when he led a delegation of women in Da’awah and some civil society organisations who

inspected two quarantine centres at Kiru and Karaye respectively.

He said the Almajirai pupils were isolated to ensure that they were in good health before being sent back to their states of origin, pointing out that those from Kano State would be handed over to their parents and guardians.

Kiru maintained that basic social amenities coupled with hygienic feeding was strictly observed in all

the three quarantine centres aimed at ensuring that they were in good health condition.

He recalled that the northern governors had agreed to deport Almajirai pupils to their states of origin with a view to curtailing the spread of COVID-19 pandemic across the affected states.

“We have deported hundreds of Almajirai to many northern states and we have received many from

other state governments,” Kiru said.

The commissioner maintained that in the next two to three days, deportation of the quarantined Almajirai pupils would commence.

He revealed that those deported from other states to Kano, who were indigenes of the state and interested in the new established Almajirai boarding schools initiated by the Governor Abdullahi Ganduje’s administration would be enrolled.

Century Power CEO Seeks Economic Diversification

Electricity Workers Threaten Strike over Sack of their President

Sunday Okobi

The Senior Staff Association of Electricity and Allied Companies (SSAEAC) has expressed displeasure over the retirement of their President-General, Chris Okonkwo, by the Managing Director of Transmission Company of Nigeria (TCN), Mr. Usman Gur Mohammed.

The union has threatened to embark on industrial action to declare their disapproval of the

The Chief Executive Officer of a power generating company, Century Power Generation Limited, Dr. Chukwueloka Umeh has called for the diversification of the Nigerian economy.

According to Umeh, who stated these during an online interactive session with the journalists yesterday, “in the face of the cyclic oil prices, we must now see a Nigeria without oil and immediately start diversifying to agriculture and manufacturing. In order to do this successfully, the gas and power industries need to be unshackled and supported to encourage substantial private investments and growth.”

While speaking further, Umeh lamented that it is still

unthinkable that despite the fact that Nigeria has the world’s ninth largest gas deposit, it still grapples with power generation and distribution issues in spite of millions of dollars spent on foreign experts, countless committees, public-private stakeholder meetings, among others.

He said: “Nigeria should essentially be a gas-producing country, which happens to produce some oil. It is time to do things differently. We should stop the endless committee meetings, conferences and engagements.

Pick a set of regulations, such as the ones that birthed the only project-financed power plant in Nigeria to date,Azura power; respect contracts and the rule of law to give local and foreign investors comfort, and get it done.

Old Boys Task Police Officers on Honesty, Integrity The St John’s Old Boys Association (SJOBA) has called on police officers in Nigeria to emulate the virtues of honesty and diligence mostly that of the outgoing Ebonyi State Commissioner of Police, Mr. Awosola Awotinde.

Congratulating the commissioner of police on his retirement which fell on his birthday, the SJOBA praised Awotinde for living by the principles imparted to the students of the school in the course of his career.

Publicity Secretary of

the association, Kehinde Bamigbetan, in a statement issued yesterday, said Awotinde graduated from the school in 1975 after undergoing the most rigorous and all-round secondary education that missionary curriculum could give.

He said St John’s Grammar School established by the Canadian Catholic Reverend Father, Fabian Cloutier, combined spiritual and academic training to produce leaders for the African continent.

Ugo Aliogo

action.

The union in a letter addressed to the managing director entitled: ‘Reposting to Transmission Company of Nigeria (TCN)’, and copied the Minister of Power, Minister of Power (State), Minister of Labour and Employment, Minister of Labour and Employment (State), Inspector General of Police (IG) and the Director of Department of State Security (DSS), demanded that the sack letter be withdrawn

immediately.

The letter signed by GeneralSecretary of the association, Umar Dubagari, read: “We demand that the letter under reference be withdrawn immediately. In the event that you are unyielding to this demand, we shall mobilise all legal and industrial machineries at our disposal to resume our pending industrial action against you and this shall be without further notice.”

The managing director of TCN

had in a letter dated April 24, 2020, terminated Okonkwo’s appointment as General Manager, Special Duties and President General of SSAEAC from the services of TCN under the impression that his contract had lapsed since June 11, 2018. But the union said the purported retirement was fraudulent as the SSAEAC president is a career officer and not a political appointee like the managing director.

Group Alleges Sectionalism in Police Trust Fund’s Board Composition Peter Uzoho The Campaign for Equity, a group of patriotic Nigerians concerned with the enthronement of equity in the national scheme of things, has condemned the composition of the Board of Trustees (BoT) of the Police Trust Fund (PTF) recently announced

by President Muhammadu Buhari, describing it as a

mark of inequity and not in the national interest.

The concerned patriots expressed disappointment in the composition, saying the selection of the principal officers and majority of the members of the board from the North was sectional, parochial and lopsided, and that it failed to meet the requirements of the federal character as enshrined in the constitution.

The group in a statement signed by its National Coordinator, Mr. Oliver Akosa, however, called on the president to withhold the inauguration of the board and reconstitute it to reflect regional and geopolitical balance.

It said: “While we applaud the President Buhari for taking steps to ensure that the Nigeria police force is well funded, well equipped

and highly professional in line with international best practices, we note with disappointment that the composition of the BoT of the Fund is sectional, parochial and lopsided, and does not therefore meet the basic requirements of the federal character as enshrined in the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, 1999 ( as amended).

Court Did Not Halt Consideration of Infectious Diseases Bill, House Insists Udora Orizu in Abuja The House of Representatives has debunked reports that a Federal High Court in Abuja has halted it from continuing with the Control of Infectious Diseases Bill.

It would be recalled that Justice Ijeoma Ojukwu of the

Federal High Court, Abuja, summoned the Speaker of the House, Hon. Femi Gbajabiamila and four others to appear before the court on May 20 to prove why further hearing on the bill, which has passed its second reading at the lower chamber, should not

be stopped.

However, the Spokesperson of the House, Hon. Benjamin Kalu, has clarified that the alleged reports were malicious misinterpretations of the decision of the court.

Kalu explained that the applicant, by way of a motion exparte, sought

a court order suspending the consideration of the bill by the House, but the court, however, in the interest of justice and fair hearing, declined to grant the reliefs sought by applicant in order to enable the respondents in the case to appear before it and enter a defence.

Ëœ ͚΀˜ ͺ͸ͺ͸ Ëž T H I S D AY

39

MONDAYSPORTS

Group Sports Editor Duro Ikhazuagbe Email duro.ikhazuagbe@thisdaylive.com 0811 181 3083 SMS ONLY

Awoniyi Scores First Bundesliga Goal as Mainz Hold Cologne Duro Ikhazuagbe Taiwo Awoniyi scored his first Bundesliga goal in Mainz’ 2-2 away draw with Cologne at the Rhein Energie Stadion yesterday.

It was the second day of the resumption of the German topflight after the hiatus caused by the Covid-19 pandemic.

Mainz have their African pair

of Awoniyi and Cameroon born Pierre Kunde Malong to thank for the comeback and the valuable road point in Cologne.

Before the good run of the African ambassadors, Mark Uth fired Cologne into the lead in just the sixth minute from the penalty spot, and Florian Kainz doubled the hosts’ lead early in the second half.

But Awoniyi who is on loan

Sports Ministry Writes NFF, Demands Welfare Plans for Players The Federal Ministry of Youth and Sports Development (FMYS) has demanded for a welfare plan for players and officials from chiefs of the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF).

In a letter dated May 11, 2020 and signed by the Permanent Secretary of the FMYS, Mr. Gabriel Aduda, the President of the NFF, Mr. Amaju Pinnick, was directed to furnish the Ministry with plans by the federation to offer welfare assistance to players. “We acknowledge and appreciate the kind gesture of extending support to the families of our fallen heroes in following the lead of the Ministry to pledge the monthly payment of N30,000. “I wish to further request you to provide information on the

welfare scheme (package) put in place by your management to enhance productivity and motivate the welfare of staff and players of your federation, as well as welfare scheme for families of ex-internationals, the sick and injured athletes,� Aduda demanded in the letter to NFF. Just recently, the Minister of Youth and Sports Development, Mr. Sunday Dare, gave financial and material support to the mothers of three top former Nigerian sportsmen who have died.

The minister had offered financial and material support to the mothers of Rashidi Yekini, Samuel Okwaraji and late quarter miler, Sunday Bada.

He also pledged to pay them monthly allowance as well offset their hospital bills any time they have health challenges.

Ola Aina, Victor Moses, Others Return for Serie A Group Training Today With the German Bundesliga already on the start last Saturday inside empty stadiums, soccer clubs in Italy’s top-flight can resume full training from today with Super Eagles’ wing back, Ola Aina set to regroup with his Torino teammates while Victor Moses join his colleagues at Inter Milan.

The Serie Ahas been suspended since March 9 and a date has not yet been set for the season to re-start, although players have returned to individual training while respecting social distancing rules.

Italy was the first European country to be seriously affected by the coronavirus crisis while Serie A was the first league to play matches without spectators and the first major league to suspend play.

Conte confirmed that football clubs would return to training today along with other sports teams but could not give any details about when Serie A would

resume.

On Saturday, Germany’s Bundesliga became the first major European league to re-start since the COVID-19 pandemic obliterated the global sporting calendar. “There are so many pressures to re-start Serie A but it is necessary that the highest safety conditions are in place,� Conte added. “To give a precise date we need to have some more guarantees than those we have at the moment but from what I’ve been told, we haven’t had them yet.�

Juventus were leading the Serie A standings by one point over second-placed Lazio with 12 games remaining when the season was halted in March.

Italy has the third-highest death toll from coronavirus in the world although its daily tally on Saturday fell to 153, the lowest since March 9.

from Liverpool reduced the arrears with his second touch few minutes after he came on from the bench. He guided Baku’s cross into the net in the 61st minute for his first goal in Bundesliga.

That goal appeared to have fired the Cameroonian midfielder, Kunde, into leveling scores for Mainz to share the spoil.

Kunde waltz all the way through the midfield into the penalty box before coolly sidefooting past the advancing, Horn, in goal for Cologne.

MĂźller thwarted Jhon Cordoba, and Leistner headed wide as Mainz held on till final whistle.

The Leon Balogun’s former club Mainz are on same 27 points as Augsburg to occupy the 14th and 15th spots ahead of other game later yesterday.

There are just eight rounds of fixtures remaining to end the Bundesliga.

The German top flight became the first major European league to return since football was suspended because of the coronavirus pandemic, with six fixtures on Saturday and a further two matches played yesterday.

All games were played under heavy precautions laid out by the German Football League.

A strict hygiene and safety protocol, including the banning of crowds, was necessary to get the go-ahead from political authorities.

Earlier on Saturday, Erling Braut Haaland scored for Borussia Dortmund as they marked the return of the Bundesliga in the 4-0 derby win over Schalke.

There was an eerie atmosphere at Dortmund’s iconic Signal Iduna Park stadium, with every shout by players or coaches audible,

and social distancing protocol followed by substitutes and during goal celebrations.

Haaland opened the scoring with a trademark cool finish, flicking home Thorgen

Hazard’s cross to continue his sensational season, albeit after an enforced break of almost 10 weeks.

Raphael Guerreiro added two more goals and Hazard also

found the net as Dortmund went on to claim a comfortable 4-0 win over their near neighbours and move within a point of leaders Bayern Munich, who played yesterday.

Taiwo Awoniyi celebrating his first Bundesliga goal as his club Mainz drew 2-2 away at Cologne‌ yesterday

Sunday Eboigbe Gets Financial Lift from Sports Minister Ailing former Super Eagles defender, Sunday Eboigbe, received financial lifeline from the Minister of Youth and Sports, Mr. Sunday Dare in Benin City yesterday.

Following his outcry in a national paper that he was sick and in dire need of support, the Minister directed one of his aides, Mr. Ogunjimi to trace Eboigbe and hand over the cash gift to assist him.

The amount donated to Eboigbe was not disclosed.

According to the Minister’s aide, the gesture would not end with just the cash gift, but the ex-international would be given needed medical assistance after proper evaluation. “The state of his ailment would be assessed by medics with the aim of giving him proper treatment to be paid for by the Minister,� observed

the minister’s aide.

At the weekend, the Federal Ministry of Youth and Sports had written to the Nigerian Football Federation to come up with a welfare package that would take care of ex internationals who are either sick or injured.

Dare had similarly extended his assistance to the mothers of late Rashidi Yekini, Samuel Okwaraji and quarter miler Sunday Bada.

Ailing former Super Eagles defender, Sunday Eboigbe at his residence in Benin City‌ yesterday

CAF’s $625,000 Largess for Enyimba, Rangers The financial burdens of Enyimba FC and Enugu Rangers may be lessoned as the Confederation of African Football (CAF) begins the disbursement of financial rewards to the teams that featured in this season’s continental clubs’ competitions.

Together, the two Nigerian clubs will get $625,000.

According to SportsVillage Square, the early disbursement of the fund by CAF is to reduce

the financial burden carried by the 32 affected clubs during the current trying times occasioned by the COVID-19 pandemic, leading to the suspension of football activities.

CAF stated that the distribution, which has since commenced, is to reduce the financial burden on the 32 clubs that reached the group stages of the CAF Champions League and CAF Confederation Cup,

during these trying times. “Clubs will receive their dues based on the established prize monies for each competition till the quarter-final stage, when the two competitions were suspended indefinitely due to COVID-19�.

The minimum guaranteed for clubs participating in the CAF Champions League is $550,000.

That is for the clubs that dropped out after the group stage.

Incidentally, no Nigerian club got to that stage. However, in the Confederation Cup, Enyimba got to the quarterfinals and therefore will get $350,000.

Enugu Rangers on the other hand placed third in their Confederation Cup group to gross $275, 000.

No Nigerian club made it to the group stage in the more lucrative CAF Champions League.

C H A M P I O N S L E A G U E M AT C H E S

UEFA Gives PSG, Lyon a Neutral Venue Option

Ola Aina (left) and Victor Moses will begin their group training in Italian Serie A‌today

President of UEFA, Aleksander Ceferin has revealed a plan to finish the 2019-20 season by August, including the Champions League and Europa League campaigns.

All of Europe’s major leagues were suspended in March due

to the COVID-19 pandemic but a few leagues have announced plans for a restart in the coming weeks.

The French and Dutch top-flight campaigns have been cancelled and games have been banned in those respective countries until

September, but the German Bundesliga restarted on Saturday and Ceferin expects at least 80 per cent of national leagues to finish their seasons. “We have an idea but we have to wait for the executive committee of UEFA to confirm the dates. I

can say that the European season will be finished, if everything is as it is now, in August,� Ceferin told beIN Sports. “As things look now, I’m sure... that we can finish the European season and this means UEFA competition.

Monday May 18, 2020

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Price: N250

MISSILE

Presidency to Opposition

“Taking loans to use for development is not a crime. But taking loans to steal and to pocket as we used to have it in this country is what is criminal. You will find out that even the profile of the loans, Nigerians don’t know it” – Special Adviser to the President on Media and Publicity, Mr Femi Adesina, attacking Nigerians to stop criticising efforts of the federal government in securing more loans to develop the country.

OKEYIKECHUKWU Kyari: Issues in Existential Myopia EDIFYING ELUCIDATIONS

okey.ikechukwu@thisdaylive.com

T

he person you see as your class teacher is known as “husband” by another. His role as ‘class teacher’ does not exist with the person who calls him husband. The person you greet “Good morning Hon. Minister” every morning is seen as “mother” by another and called “Auntie” by others. Her school mates call her by one mischievous, and possibly suggestive, nickname; while a contractor who missed a contract he had hoped for in her ministry calls her “that wicked woman.” Does any of these titles, which are actually role-determined, tell us everything about anyone? In answering this question, we must bear in mind that the role-determined persona projected as we do one thing or the other in life does not always reflect, or even suggest, who we really are. They do not always show what moves us, our core values and the things we would get up to if we are sure that no one is watching. This explains the fact that an erudite professor of ethics, who has given world-acclaimed expositions on great ethical theories and practices, could be a terrible pervert. It also explains why the kindest parishioner, who is a doting father, loving husband and philanthropist, could also simultaneously be the leader of a murderous armed robbery gang.

It, therefore, follows that debates about peoples’ reputation and who they really are, especially after their demise, throws up such diverse perspectives as would make an inexperienced observer conclude that the commentators might as well be affiliated to Bedlam. And it has been so, with regard to the public comments about the late Chiefof-Staff (CoS) to the president, Mallam Abba Kyari. We have seen the encomiums from his genuine friends, associates and well-wishers who feel the loss of someone they knew in the best of ways. We have also seen the comments of political time servers, place hunters and many others who believe that their political and economic fortunes could, or would, still be affected by how they are seen to react after the demise of the gentleman. The few people who have had the courage, or effrontery perhaps, not to make negative comments about the man have been confronted with the ready admonition: “Do not speak ill of the dead.” An inventory of the positive comments about Kyari, after his demise, will most likely lead to the conclusion that the man was indeed a foremost Nigerian patriot whose goodness is robustly attested to by the outpourings in the media. Such an inventory of commentaries may end with: “The people have spoken” and possibly with this postscript: “The voice of the people is the voice of God.” Concerning the admonition: “Do not speak ill of the dead,” the first recorded use of the statement was probably by Diogenes Laertius. His 300 AD work, The Lives and Opinions of Eminent Philosophers, attributed the statement to Chilon of Sparta, one of the Seven Sages of Greece. It was probably Abrogio Traverssari’s translation of Diogenes’ book into Latin in the 15th century that brought the saying forward.

Early American settlers used it in the sense that one should not speak ill of people in

Kyari the immediate aftermath of their death.

All well and good. The understandable spiritual angle to the injunction not to speak ill of the dead, for me, is the possibility of further entanglement, including making the departed soul earthbound. That is why the demand that “absolute silence should reign in the chamber of death,’ with noisy mourners kept far away, is intended to benefit the departed one. But are we duty-bound to unleash an epidemic of hypocritical eulogies whenever someone goes to the great beyond? I think not.

A blanket statement “do not speak ill of the dead,” devoid of context and conscience, must be termed a most reprehensible act of existential irresponsibility. As human beings who are self-aware, aware of the world around us and who are often compelled by our experiences to draw certain conclusions, it is only natural that people must react differently even to the same experiences.

I suggest that it is a mark of existential myopia, and ontological inauthenticity, to belittle this fact and pretend that what is, is not.

I first met Kyari as a member of THISDAY Newspapers Editorial Board. He was a well educated man, who reasoned with impeccable fluidity; and who possessed a pleasantly British, and actually hilarious sense of humour. This came out during our occasional, and rather prolonged, private

discussions before each weekly meeting.

We both always arrived a little too early, being averse to lateness, and ended up debating while waiting for other members of the board. He was a most intelligent, widely travelled Nigerian, and surprisingly familiar with the nooks and crannies of places you would never have imagined that he had even heard of. Kyari’s urbanity in judgments about various sections of the country was commendable and cosmopolitan.

He was suave and smooth. I recall his call after my article “The Road to Arochukwu,” to confirm that he had travelled on the terrible road and that he was half-minded to write a back-up rejoinder to say that the road should be treated as a national emergency. But his perception that the “southern” government of the time was determined to practically “exterminate” the north and northerners always rang out a little more loudly than he was aware of in our general conversations.

It was from Kyari that I saw the largest, most detailed and highly classified, videos on several military operations in the North-east; especially regarding the security measures taken in connection with Mohammed Yusuf, his followers and other restive groups. He always carried it with him on a portable handheld device that contained just too many of such videos. Each of the videos and images had a narrative that he reeled off with impressive precision, ease and determined candour. His pain over what he called the resolute efforts of the Jonathan administration, aided by a Southern-led Nigerian army, to ‘finish’ his people was not well masked in these debates, despite his best efforts. He spoke of the wrong profiling of “insurgents” in the north. He averred that anyone who followed the physical attributes and general appearance of religious extremists, as given by the authorities, will wipe out not less than eighty per cent of the population of a place like Maiduguri. Kyari not only narrated how some families were allegedly summarily executed, on mere suspicion of insurgency by their general appearance, but showed me videos he said were related to such massacres.

In summary, my perception of Mallam Abba Kyari, based on these personal encounters, is that he was intelligent, urbane, the type of person who would have a good home and make a wonderful father. He

But we must bear in mind that all the opinions expressed about Mallam Kyari since his demise, including mine, do not boil down to unassailable truths; or what his Maker thinks of him; or should think of him. None of us is competent to venture a view on that. A national consensus on the late Mallam Abba Kyari? Never! He has lived his life. Let us live ours – better, if possible.

was also a man a little too fixated on the danger Southern Nigeria posed to “his people,” their ways and their chances of continued survival. I believe that there are many things he could, and should, have handled better than he did. To that extent, he was less than patriotic in his reflexes while the menace of herdsmen lasted. The sustained humiliation of an ordinarily pathetic vice president, the lopsided federal appointments, the jaundiced allocation of national resources and much more make me not to share most of the “Afghanistanic” and sometimes really embarrassing, eulogies inflicted on our collective consciousness after the man’s demise.

But we must bear in mind that all the opinions expressed about Mallam Kyari since his demise, including mine, do not boil down to unassailable truths; or what his Maker thinks of him; or should think of him. None of us is competent to venture a view on that. A national consensus on the late Mallam Abba Kyari? Never! He has lived his life. Let us live ours – better, if possible.

Which brings us to the statement: “The voice of the people is the voice of God.” This claim is factually, experientially and historically untrue. To begin with, who is meant by “the people” in the saying?

Reasonable people? Mad men and women?

Barbers and butchers? The Elite, or the aristocracy? Was Socrates wrong when he said to Crito, in defiance of the popular view in Athens: “Crito, my friend, we should only worry about what reasonable people have to say.”

If we follow Herodotus and his idea of three methods of writing history, we must find out which (if any) of these can be called the voice of “the people.” Even then, we must still move from there to the further thesis that it is the Voice of Deity speaking through them. History is always a record of past events according to how the narrators (1) witnessed them, (2) rightly or wrongly remembered them, or (3) how partiality swayed them to write. So, which of the three can we say, in good conscience, is the Voice of Deity?

A thousand misguided witnesses will give inexact reports. A thousand people who remember an event incorrectly will not lead to a correct account of things. A million people who do not give an objective report in their presentation will still be wrong.

So, whence and where does the voice of the people become “The Voice of God?” The voice of the ignorant mob that sentenced Socrates to death was the voice of folly, not wisdom or Deity. The voice of the fools who mocked John the Baptist for his “eccentric” dressing and who considered him mad for proclaiming a Messiah they had not seen was not the Voice of God. The blunder of the Koreish and their initial large following in Mecca did not remove the fact that the one true prophet sent to them by the Almighty was right in everything he said. It is, in my view, blasphemy to suggest that the opinions, consensus and decisions of men could in any way be considered the Voice of God. So, let the disputations end. Existential myopia is a fact of life.

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